Celtics, Knicks, Suns, And Kings Are Reportedly Interested In Signing Ben Simmons During Free Agency

3x All-Star and former ROTY Ben Simmons has garnered a fair degree of attention from teams in the free agency market this offseason. With the guard looking for a new team this offseason, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that four teams have shown a keen interest in signing him. He wrote:

"League sources say that the Suns have also had some recent dialogue with former All-Star Ben Simmons, who I'm told has drawn interest since free agency began from Boston, New York, and Sacramento.”

This presents an interesting outlook for the guard, who played last season with the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. Having played in only a handful of games over the past few seasons, with injuries sidelining him for the most part, Simmons’ perceived value around the league has declined significantly.

While most teams have strayed away from the 29-year-old because of his unavailability, it seems like the guard still has value to some teams as a rotational piece.

Last season, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. Considering that his scoring ability was never presented as his best asset, Simmons showcased solid averages on the rebounding and playmaking front.

The aspect of Simmons' skillset that will be of particular interest to the teams taking an interest in him will be his defensive upside. At 6'10", the guard is uniquely athletic and agile. His length, paired with his mobility, makes him an incredibly versatile defender, allowing him to guard multiple positions, including centers when needed.

When looking at the list of teams that have shown an interest in Simmons, it is quite clear that they would look to sign him on a cap-friendly deal. A veteran minimum contract seems like the more plausible outcome.

For the Boston Celtics, the addition of Simmons would be helpful in staying competitive next season. Considering that the Celitcs' efforts to see them get under the second apron have seen them part ways with key roster pieces, Boston needs to add some depth to reinforce their bench. The 29-year-old simply brings versatility in this case.

Meanwhile, the Knicks are looking to make a splash this offseason. Although Simmons' reputation has taken a hit in recent years, his addition would bolster the Knicks' overall defensive integrity while also adding another playmaker off the bench.

The Suns prove to be an interesting spot if they successfully acquire him. While they don't necessarily have a shortage of wing defenders, Phoenix may value his size and playmaking ability off the bench, similar to the Knicks' interest.

A move to the Kings could also be in Simmons' best interests. When considering their need for a backup playmaker and wing defender, the former ROTY could find himself in a more adaptable and less rigid system. If the Kings also commit to a fast-paced style of offense, Simmons could be an ideal fit to lead the bench.

Much of Simmons' current challenges can be attributed to his lack of initiative and poor health. While he is undoubtedly a talented player, his limited sample size of success raises question marks about his ability to contribute to a winning effort.

Given the kind of interest he is earning, the 29-year-old is likely to find himself playing for a team next season. Should he remain healthy and find the right fit, the guard could become a valuable addition.