Shamet’s return to New York becomes a realistic path as the Knicks seek to finalize their 2025-26 roster with a veteran guard who can space the floor. Last season, he appeared in 50 games, posting 5.7 points per game with a 39.7% clip from three after a preseason shoulder dislocation. In the playoffs, he played 11 games and averaged 2.4 points while shooting 46.7% from deep. Mutual interest, highlighted by Ian Begley, places Shamet in a position to reclaim a meaningful role in a backcourt that values outside shooting and reliable defense. The chatter also touched on Ben Simmons as a veteran option, though he remains unsigned.

If the Knicks land Shamet and possibly Simmons, the guard rotation could tilt toward a balanced mix of shooting, playmaking, and size. Shamet would bring floor spacing and timely threes, while Simmons could add optionality as a primary ball-handler and fits in with New York’s need for a stable, versatile bench presence. The discussions signal a deliberate push to blend established veterans with a young core, aiming to replicate a cohesive, playoff-tested roster in 2025-26.

Free agency in the NBA remains a chessboard with cap space at a premium and a handful of star free agents remaining unsigned. Russell Westbrook and seven-figure deals aren’t a given, with Westbrook likely to shift to a sixth franchise in seven seasons if Sacramento becomes his next stop. Jonathan Kuminga stands firm on a long-term commitment, rejecting a trade-friendly deal in favor of real security. Ben Simmons is trapped in a numbers crunch as rosters fill and the luxury tax looms. Al Horford’s potential Warriors return could reshape lineups, easing Draymond Green’s burden if healthy.

Cam Thomas looms as a restricted free agent whose next move could hinge on one-year offers and team options, while Josh Giddey and Quentin Grimes chase deals that fit their long-term trajectories amid scarce cap space. Dennis Schroder’s path remains tangled in the apron and open roster spots, a reminder that most teams have already filled out their rosters. Across the board, Hall-of-Fame aspirants like Damian Lillard and Chris Paul are cited as examples of the evolving free-agent market and the delicate balance between role, fit, and price. For fantasy, the players whose roles feel most solidified—Horford as a two-way starter when healthy, Kuminga as a potential cornerstone or trade asset, and Cam Thomas as a high-usage scorer in Nets’ plans—stand out in a constrained market.

The Boston Celtics have made a surprising move in their roster reshuffling by cutting young point guard JD Davison, who was expected to potentially fill a bigger role due to recent injuries and trades. Despite showing promise in the G League with impressive stats—25.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds, earning G League MVP honors—Davison couldn't translate that success to the NBA level, scoring only 68 points over three seasons with Boston. The Celtics' decision to part ways with him seems to make room for veteran Ben Simmons, indicating a strategic gamble amid their efforts to manage salary cap constraints.

However, Davison's career isn't over. He quickly found a new opportunity with the Houston Rockets, signaling a fresh start. The Rockets, in their rebuilding phase, may offer Davison the chance to prove himself in a more significant role. This transition could benefit both Davison, who aims to solidify his place in the league, and the Rockets, who are looking to develop young talent. As they head into the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how Davison integrates into Houston's system.

Ben Simmons, a three-time All-Star, is generating buzz on the free agency market, with the New York Knicks among the teams showing interest. However, insiders indicate that the Knicks may not be a favored destination for the 30-year-old. An anonymous general manager suggested that New York is at the bottom of Simmons' list due to the pressure and scrutiny associated with the franchise.

Simmons, who has struggled with injuries and played only 51 games last season, offers valuable defensive versatility and playmaking skills, but his health concerns loom large. The Knicks are seeking to develop their young players under new head coach Mike Brown and may not want to hinder that progress by bringing in a veteran with a checkered injury history. As Simmons weighs his options, the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns are also in the mix, with Boston appearing to be a leading candidate due to their roster needs.