Does this trade make sense for the New York Knicks?
It would cost them a ton of assets to even have a chance to land Ben Simmons from Philly, but this is definitely a deal that tends to favor the Knicks. Not only would they be getting out of Kemba Walker’s contract, but the Knicks would be adding one of the best defenders in the entire NBA to their roster.
For a team that prides themselves defensively, the Knicks have really struggled on that end of the floor this season. We talked about some of their struggles earlier and while they have defended the paint well, their perimeter defense needs to be better.
Not only is Ben Simmons a terrific all-around defender, but he has consistently been able to guard multiple positions over the last few seasons, making him an elite-level perimeter defender. He would fit right in with the Knicks, but what role would he play other than being the anchor for this team defensively?
It is safe to assume he would start at point guard over Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley, but Julius Randle and Derrick Rose are the primary facilitators/ball-handlers for this team.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These Teams Are Interested In Ben Simmons Trade As Talks Heat Up
Maybe Randle would play a more traditional off-the-ball role and be a factor in the low-post more than getting the ball on the perimeter, but this would cause the Knicks to change their entire offensive approach.
From a pure-talent perspective and in terms of investing in him as their future, Ben Simmons does make sense for the New York Knicks, but he may not be enough to bring them back to the playoffs this season.
Evan Fournier, Obi Toppin and these draft picks they would forfeit is just too much value for the Knicks to give up, especially since they do not need Simmons to make the playoffs and they proved so last year.
There are more effective offensive weapons and more affordable options for the Knicks to target ahead of the trade deadline, which is why they should stay away from pursuing Ben Simmons.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These Teams Are Interested In Ben Simmons Trade As Talks Heat Up
New York still has a chance to land other big-time All-Star talents over the next several seasons given their small cap situation, which is why making a move for Ben Simmons could really limit their ability to surround Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett with other talents.
This trade with the Philadelphia 76ers locks in Ben Simmons as part of this team’s core for years to come and with him showing no improvements offensively, this is definitely a concern that the Knicks should not be willing to take on.
