**The Knicks’ Delicate Balancing Act: Ben Simmons, Landry Shamet, and the Future of the Roster**
The New York Knicks have remained one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA offseason, not just for their aggressive pursuit of star talent but also for their meticulous approach to roster construction. While they’ve been heavily linked to Ben Simmons, the former All-Star is reportedly taking his time to evaluate his options, leaving the Knicks in a holding pattern. At the same time, the franchise is exploring alternative moves, including the potential signing of veteran guard Landry Shamet, as they weigh the balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term development.
### **The Ben Simmons Conundrum**
Ben Simmons, once considered a franchise cornerstone for the Philadelphia 76ers, has seen his stock fluctuate dramatically in recent years. Injuries and a well-documented decline in offensive aggression have turned him into more of a role player than the dominant two-way force he was early in his career. Yet, his elite defense, playmaking, and versatility still make him an attractive piece for a Knicks team that prioritizes toughness and defensive identity.
New York’s interest in Simmons isn’t new, but the logistics of acquiring him remain complicated. As SNY’s Ian Begley noted, the Knicks would need to clear a roster spot to accommodate Simmons or any other veteran addition. Currently, the team is at the league-maximum 15 standard contracts, meaning a trade would be necessary to free up space. The question then becomes: Who would the Knicks be willing to move?
The most likely candidates are players on the fringes of the rotation—those with tradable salaries but minimal impact on the court. However, the Knicks have been reluctant to part with their young prospects, preferring to maintain flexibility for future moves. This creates a tricky scenario where Simmons’ arrival would likely require sacrificing a developmental piece, raising questions about whether the short-term boost is worth the long-term cost.
### **Landry Shamet as a Fallback Option**
While Simmons remains a tantalizing possibility, the Knicks are also exploring more straightforward additions. Landry Shamet, a career 38% three-point shooter, has emerged as the likeliest candidate to fill the team’s final veteran minimum slot. Shamet would provide much-needed floor spacing off the bench, an area where the Knicks have struggled in recent seasons.
Begley suggested that signing Shamet wouldn’t necessarily preclude another move, stating, *“I would not rule out the idea that the Knicks want to bring in another veteran in addition to a Shamet, and the only way to do that is to make a trade.”* This implies that the front office is still considering multiple avenues to improve the roster, keeping the door open for Simmons while also addressing immediate needs.
### **The Roster Crunch and Developmental Dilemma**
The Knicks’ current roster construction presents a fascinating dilemma. On one hand, they’ve built a deep, veteran-heavy team capable of competing in the Eastern Conference. On the other, they have several young players—Pacôme Dadiet, Rokas Jokubaitis, and others—who require minutes to develop.
As NBA analyst Keith Smith pointed out, the Knicks must decide whether they’re in a position to prioritize development or if they’d rather push their chips in for another proven contributor. *“Are they gonna continue to develop [Dadiet], or do they feel, ‘Hey, we’re not really in a position to think about development, we would rather push forward and add one more veteran to the bench?’”* Smith questioned.
This is the tightrope the Knicks must walk. Simmons, even in a diminished role, could provide more immediate value than a rookie or second-year player. But if the cost includes stunting the growth of a promising prospect, the front office must carefully assess whether the trade-off is justified.
### **The Financial Considerations**
Another layer to this situation is the financial aspect. The Knicks have been cautious about avoiding long-term salary commitments, preserving cap flexibility for future star pursuits. Simmons is owed $40.3 million in 2024-25, with a player option for $38.9 million in 2025-26. Acquiring him would require matching salary, meaning the Knicks would likely have to part with multiple rotation players.
If New York can land Simmons without surrendering key assets (e.g., draft picks or core players), the move becomes more palatable. But if the asking price escalates, the front office may opt for a smaller move like Shamet instead.
### **The Bigger Picture: Contending Now vs. Building for the Future**
Ultimately, the Knicks’ decision on Simmons will reflect their broader philosophy. After locking in Mikal Bridges with a long-term extension, the team has signaled its intent to compete at a high level now. However, they’ve also resisted going all-in on aging stars, preferring to maintain a sustainable model.
Simmons represents a high-risk, high-reward proposition. If he regains even 80% of his Philadelphia form, he could be the missing piece that elevates the Knicks into true title contention. If not, he becomes an expensive bench piece who clogs the roster and hinders younger players’ growth.
### **Conclusion**
As the offseason progresses, the Knicks remain in a holding pattern. Ben Simmons’ camp is in no rush to make a decision, and New York is wisely exploring all options. Landry Shamet appears to be the safer, more immediate addition, but the allure of Simmons’ upside is undeniable.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the Knicks are willing to make a bold move for Simmons or if they’ll opt for incremental improvements. Either way, their approach will offer a telling glimpse into how this front office views the team’s championship timeline. For now, all eyes remain on Simmons—and whether the Knicks can finally close the deal.
