Finally, the New York Knicks have their new head coach — Mike Brown. The former two-time Coach of the Year is working on a deal with the team after two interviews, emerging as the front-runner to guide a Knicks team that’s determined to make a deep push in the Eastern Conference.
But just when it feels like New York is settling in, the front office keeps the momentum going. With free agency in full swing, the Knicks still have a chance to sign impact players using veteran minimum contracts. So far, they’ve added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, both expected to play key roles off the bench.
Here are three more players who could join Coach Brown in the next wave of offseason moves:
3. Landry Shamet
One of the most buzzed-about potential returns is Landry Shamet, who played a limited but impactful role for the Knicks last season. Despite appearing in only 50 regular-season games due to a dislocated shoulder suffered in preseason, Shamet showed he could be a much-needed spark off the bench. In 15.2 minutes per game, he averaged 5.7 points and shot a strong 39.7% from three-point range.
Shamet’s postseason was a rollercoaster — starting Game 1 against Detroit, then slipping out of the rotation, only to re-emerge in the Eastern Conference Finals. In Game 6, he came up big with 12 points — all from beyond the arc — and added key defensive stops.
Reuniting with the Knicks under Brown could provide Shamet with a bigger opportunity. His ability to space the floor and play two-way basketball makes him a strong candidate to return on a team-friendly deal.
2. Doug McDermott
Doug McDermott may not be the flashiest name on the market, but he’s a proven shooter and a familiar face. Knicks fans will remember his brief stint in 2017, when he averaged 7.2 points on 38.7% shooting from three before being dealt in the Carmelo Anthony trade.
Now 33, McDermott is still capable of filling a stretch-forward role, especially in short bursts off the bench. He’s struggled to carve out consistent minutes in recent seasons, but a reunion with New York could give him a chance to revive his career. As a backup to Mikal Bridges, he wouldn’t need to carry much weight — just hit open shots and stay active on the perimeter.
1. Ben Simmons
Few names generate as much split reaction as Ben Simmons, but the idea of bringing him in is...strangely compelling.
Simmons split last season between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, posting averages of 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 52% shooting in 51 games. While his offensive ceiling has clearly dropped, Simmons still brings positional versatility, elite passing vision, and underrated defensive instincts.
At 6-foot-10, his ability to guard multiple positions and facilitate offense could add a new layer to the Knicks’ rotation — if he can stay healthy. That’s the biggest concern: Simmons hasn’t played 60+ games in a season since 2019, and chronic back and knee issues have limited both his availability and explosiveness.
Still, on a minimum contract, the risk is minimal and the upside could be surprising. The Knicks wouldn’t need Simmons to be a star — just a steady presence off the bench who can push pace, defend, and occasionally create.