Knicks In Contact With Ben Simmons, Landry Shamet To Fill Final Veteran Minimum Contract

[RealGM Wiretap]

Ben Simmons and Landry Shamet are candidates to fill the final veteran minimum contract slot, according to Ian Begley of SNY.

The team has enough room for one veteran minimum and one rookie contract before they reach the second apron. 

The Knicks are reportedly looking for a backup point in the role.

Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 51 games with the Nets and Clippers last season.

Though not a point guard, Shamet is open to a return to the team. Shamet averaged 5.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in 50 games with the Knicks last season. 

 

Via Ian Begley/SNY

[niha17]

ben simmons has a great pr team he should never have a nba contract again

[the_process]

If Ben can go back to the Clippers, he should stay there.

[Bolsolixo]

Knicks needs a playmaker AND 3 point shooting, but only one veteran can be sign. I would go with Shamet but the backup position after Brunson would be the weak side of it

[TheCage4]

Ben Simmons?

[RipCityKJ]

Simmons should have to pay a team to sign him not the other way around.

[Barcs]

Knicks need to avoid more one dimensional players. Yes, the guy can defend, but the Knicks need bench scoring more.

[HaydukesRedux]

Not saying he is a good 3 pt shooter, but Clarkson will give bench scoring. His 3pt% increase last year to nearly respectable and the KAT, at times and Mitch near the basket, he should get the spacing to be open at the perimeter.

Knicks needs a playmaker AND 3 point shooting, but only one veteran can be sign. I would go with Shamet but the backup position after Brunson would be the weak side of it

[HaydukesRedux]

Assuming they have JB, KAT, OG, Mikal, Hart, Deuce, Mitch, Clarkson, and Yabusele..you are looking for someone to take the 10th spot. So, what? someone willing to play 8 minutes a game?

OG and Mikal can be temperamental. If OG isn't getting shots his D sometimes drops and Mikal has yet to be offered an extension, has complained to the press about usage (not saying he was right or wrong just saying he decided to take it out of the locker room), in my opinion he has lost a step (or some level of aggressiveness in defending), and unfortunately for him, Leon Rose gave the Nets too much for him.

Maybe they go with a calming, vet presence. Someone to act as their Andre Iguodala, Taj Gibson, Udonis Haslem, Al Horford or like they did last year...PJ Tucker. Someone who maintains the vibe on plane rides. It is weird that "vibes" are part of the equation but that's where we are.