Updates on who the Knicks are targeting with final veteran minimum contract

Would you rather them bring Shamet back or take a chance on Simmons?

As Michael Zeno wrote last week, Guerschon Yabusele taking less than the taxpayer mid-level exception has put the Knicks in a position where they have one more veteran minimum contract available to help fill out their roster. And since that report, there’s been a myriad of names being thrown around. Torrey Craig, Alec Burks, Caleb Houstan, Thomas Bryant, Mo Bamba, and more have all garnered some noise as potential options.

But earlier today, Ian Begley of SNY keyed in on a few names in particular. The long-trusted Knicks insider said, “Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook are among the lead guards still on the market. Teams are wondering if Washington will agree to a buyout with veteran guard Marcus Smart.”

Those three names seem somewhat unlikely for different reasons, though. Paul is believed to be seeking a starting job to conclude what he recently alluded to would be his last season. Westbrook and the Knicks were said to have some mutual interest earlier in the offseason, but with New York already having Jordan Clarkson and Deuce McBride off the bench, it seems unlikely that he’d be given the kind of playing time he’d be happy with. As far as Smart goes, he hasn’t been the same player since leaving Boston, and he, like Westbrook, is likely looking for a situation where he can play more and improve his stock going forward.

There are two more intriguing names that Begley mentioned, though. He mentioned that former Brooklyn Net Ben Simmons was an option. Simmons is rumored to be looking for more than just a minimum deal, but Begley reported that the two sides have continued to touch base. This could be a sign that if there aren’t any other enticing options, Simmons could be open to taking the minimum to play for a contending team, where he would certainly have a decent role.

The injury-plagued former number one pick has had plenty of ups and downs throughout his career, but he showed some flashes of still being a productive player last season. In 33 games as a Net, he averaged 6.2PPG, 6.9APG, and 5.2RPG. And while his role and playing time took a significant hit when he became a Clipper, he still had several nice moments.

Obviously, the injuries and complete lack of shooting will always be a concern with Simmons, but his on-ball playmaking, rebounding, and defensive versatility could prove to be valuable, especially on a Knicks team where he wouldn’t be asked to do too much.

That being said, Begley also noted that the team views a reunion with Landry Shamet as a possibility, with Shamet himself remaining open to a return as well. Shamet started off the season slowly as he was working himself back from a shoulder injury, but he eventually won over the fanbase with his tenacious defense, connective play on offense, and occasional clutch three. With a full season as a Knick under his belt, seeing what Shamet could do with a fully healthy season could end up proving to be the best decision.

Regardless of which way the Knicks go, though, it’s clear that New York still has plenty of options. They may not necessarily be the kind of options that will change the dynamic of this team or change the ceiling of this team. But with guys like Shamet and Simmons reportedly being interested in being a Knick, there’s a good chance that the Knicks will be able to add another solid rotational piece before the season begins.