The Philadelphia 76ers were threatened by a possibly brutal reversal, but now, they can put that to rest following the latest on the NBA’ last-ditch free agency rumor mill.
Former 76ers star Ben Simmons, who unfortunately remains without a home in the league for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign, stands as one of the most decorated players available for taking in the open market. However, the market for his services has become a very dry one, resulting in him seeing his future in the league in serious jeopardy of getting cut short.
Previously, the Knicks were rumored to have been seriously eyeing the three-time All-Star to snag their final roster spot. However, things have not really gotten much traction on that end, although New York was believed by many to have been contemplating as to who should get the nod between Simmons and Landry Shamet.
Much to Simmons’ chagrin, it seems like New York is closing in on a decision. According to Knicks insider Ian Begley, there is momentum from the front office on the prospect of bringing Shamet back for another season which will, as currently situated, foreclose an outright opportunity for the Knicks to bring in Simmons.
76ers escape brutal reversal after latest free agency news
The 76ers can probably celebrate this a tad. The Knicks are one of their biggest rivals in the East and are arguably the favorites to win the conference next season alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers. And the prospect of them bringing Simmons in was quietly threatening for Philly.
Simmons, while far away from the player he used to be thanks in large part to his debilitating back injuries, still has the makings and stylings of someone who can be successful in New York’s hard-nosed system. He remains a sizeable asset as a defender, and he brings with him a natural court sense as a bona fide and proven playmaker.
The Knicks have already stolen Guerschon Yabusele from the 76ers, and the idea of them installing Simmons into their core would give the latter a familiar face who not only has a sense of familiarity with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, but also a personnal vendetta against the franchise due to how things broke down between both camps.
We might be feeding too much into a certain agenda with this one, but for the Philadelphia 76ers, this still undoubtedly counts as a win in their book.