A Brooklyn Nets star was called “exactly what the (New York) Knicks need” by a prominent analyst this past week, fueling fresh transaction rumors.
The Knicks are looking very different these days after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns just before the season.
While New York would love to bring in one more star to create a Big 3 capable of challenging the Boston Celtics this postseason, the Knicks might be pulling off a far more unexpected move in the next few months, according to The Ringer’s Bill Simmons.
During Thursday’s The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons described former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons as a great fit with the Knicks.
“Ben Simmons is actually an asset,” Simmons said.
“He can handle the ball, he’s a point guard with size, he can get to the rim … it feels like he’s healthy again.”
“He’s an expiring (contract) at $40.3 million. Could they trade him? I went through every team; I don’t see it.”
“I think he has a chance to become one of the most fascinating February buyout guys … he’s kind of exactly what the Knicks need.”
“I’m watching this Ben Simmons thing because if he can prove that he’s healthy over the next three months … either’s he’s a trade or he’s a buyout guy, but I actually think he could have an impact on the playoff race playing 18 to 20 minutes a game for a really good team.”
Ben Simmons would make the Knicks even stronger defensively, plus his unique skills as a six-foot-ten point guard would take some pressure off Jalen Brunson, who is burdened with constantly initiating the offense.
Simmons to the Knicks is a surprising idea that could begin to look tempting if the 28-year-old former Rookie of the Year continues to produce this season.
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