How should the New York Knicks approach the offseason?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 05: Julius Randle #30 and Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks leave the court after the first half of a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on October 05, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Entering this season with loads of expectations after making the playoffs, the New York Knicks missed the playoffs. The Knicks finished with a 37-45 record and rumors are beginning to swirl about who stays and who is gone.

For starters, I think coach Tom Thibodeau needs to be fired. Yes, I know it probably will not happen, but I don’t think he is the right coach for the Knicks. The Knicks have loads of young talent that are being mismanaged by Thibodeau. That should be the first step for the Knicks if they want to improve.

How should the New York Knicks approach the offseason?

Julius Randle also took a step back after being named to the All-NBA team last season. Randle regressed in all statistical categories except blocks. Some think Randle only played well last season because there were no fans. I think Randle just needs a fresh start in a
different city, because there have been rumors that Randle might be traded.

Also, the Knicks did not have the best free agency last offseason. They brought in Kemba Walker whom they benched for most of the season. Evan Fournier also struggled to find his groove this season. Walker makes around $9 million per season while Fournier makes around $18 million dollars per season.

I don’t know what the Knicks were doing handing out money like that. Both Walker and Fournier were thrown around in trade rumors this season and you would assume that those will continue after the lackluster seasons both of them had.

It wasn’t all bad for the Knicks, though, as RJ Barrett took a huge leap this season and looks like a future All-Star. Barrett had averages of 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Also, the play of Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin down the stretch was something to be excited about.

Quickly got the franchise record for the youngest player with a triple-double. Obi Toppin averaged 27.2 points per game in his final five games, including a 42-point performance against the Raptors.

Luckily for the Knicks, they are located in New York, so they will always be a top free agency destination. The Knicks will only have 18.5 million dollars in cap space for free agents. However, with Randle, Walker, and Fournier involved with trade talks, the Knicks would clear a lot of cap space to make a run at free agency.

If the Knicks manage to clear the cap space they should not dish out horrible contracts to bring in some new faces. Just look how it turned out this season with Walker and Fournier.

New York is also a big trade destination. Players such as Donavan Mitchell and Zion Williamson have both been in trade talks to go play in New York. The Knicks would have to give up a lot to get one of the two players, but it would bring excitement to Knicks basketball once again.

It will be interesting to see what the Knicks will do this offseason to try and rebuild this team and get them back to the playoffs.