The New York Knicks signed Landry Shamet on Thursday, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal is a one-year, veteran minimum contract. It's the same offer Ben Simmons reportedly passed on.
New York still has an open roster spot if he changes his mind. However, now the Knicks only have room to sign someone to the rookie veteran minimum while remaining under the second apron. A trade could create more flexibility, but crossing that threshold for Simmons is an improbable scenario.
The Boston Celtics reportedly registered interest in Simmons earlier this offseason. Their 15th and final roster spot remains vacant. They also have room under the second apron to sign the three-time All-Star. However, the chances of the former No. 1 overall draft pick joining Boston took a hit when the team added Chris Boucher.
There's still a role for Simmons to fill thanks to his defensive versatility, including his ability to play at center in small-ball lineups. There's also value in having another ball handler on the roster.
Still, the 29-year-old is reportedly contemplating retirement. Between that and an unreliable track record that includes getting phased out of the Los Angeles Clippers' rotation in the playoffs, it becomes easy to believe it won't go any differently for him if he signs elsewhere.
What should the Celtics do if they don't sign Simmons?
Leaving the final roster spot open is a way to maximize tax savings. At a time when Boston is prioritizing gaining flexibility, that's an enticing option. It's rare to fill that 15th opening with someone who becomes a consistent contributor.
The argument against that starts with the fact that it doesn't hurt to try. Plus, the Celtics' player development infrastructure has helped individuals go from the bottom of the roster to rotation fixtures.
Luke Kornet and Sam Hauser both spent time with the organization's G League affiliate in Maine before ascending into the players they are now. Even if investing in that last roster vacancy leads to a less impactful return, it could still prove worthwhile.
If that spot doesn't go to Simmons, which may be for the best given how his career has unfolded, acquiring a younger player whose upside they believe in is a sensible move.
Miles Norris fit the bill for that. Given his size and shooting, bringing him into their infrastructure made sense. It didn't work out, but it was still a worthwhile decision. That reinforces the value in taking a swing with that 15th roster spot.
With that said, not adding to the tax bill is a fair choice. That's especially true if Anfernee Simons sticks around beyond the trade deadline. That's also why Boston might remain patient about filling its final roster spot.