NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) New York Knicks president Leon Rose (C) watches his team play against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 125-123. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
New York Knicks: Realistic targets in NBA free agency
NBA free agency, New York Knicks (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks are coming off their most exciting season in nearly a decade. After making sweeping changes throughout the front office and coaching staff, the Knicks have laid the foundation for a new culture and identity. After making the playoffs for the first time since the Carmelo Anthony era, it’s pretty safe to say: THE KNICKS ARE BACK!
Still, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done. The Knicks made the playoffs, but getting eliminated in the first round in a five-game drubbing is not gonna cut it. Not for this fan base anyway.
The Knicks have been very methodical the last two offseasons as they try to rebuild the franchise back to its glory days. This writer fully expects that trend to continue. Now that the franchise has once again gotten a taste of the playoffs, it’s important to build off last year’s momentum and continue to stay the course.
The New York Knicks must now explore the NBA free agency market to fill out the rest of the roster and build a future of sustainable success.
With the 2021 NBA Draft in the books, it’s now time to turn our attention to free agency. While most of the big-name players have already signed extensions or are expected to re-sign with their respective franchises, there are still plenty of quality players available in free agency.
The Knicks have nine players of their own entering the free agency market and must decide if they will bring any of them back. At this moment, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and possibly Mitchell Robinson are the only locks for the starting rotation next season. The franchise known as the heartbeat of New York City must now explore the free agency market to fill out the rest of the roster and build a future of sustainable success.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some unrestricted free agents that not only fit the Knicks’ timeline but can help improve the team right now.
Knicks have laid the foundation for a new culture and identity. After making the playoffs for the first time since the Carmelo Anthony era, it’s pretty safe to say: THE KNICKS ARE BACK!</p>
<p>Still, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done. The Knicks made the playoffs, but getting eliminated in the first round in a five-game drubbing is not gonna cut it. Not for this fan base anyway.</p>
<p>The Knicks have been very methodical the last two offseasons as they try to rebuild the franchise back to its glory days. This writer fully expects that trend to continue. Now that the franchise has once again gotten a taste of the playoffs, it’s important to build off last year’s momentum and continue to stay the course.</p>
<h2>The New York Knicks must now explore the NBA free agency market to fill out the rest of the roster and build a future of sustainable success.</h2>
<p>With the 2021 NBA Draft in the books, it’s now time to turn our attention to free agency. While most of the big-name players have already signed extensions or are expected to re-sign with their respective franchises, there are still plenty of quality players available in free agency.</p>
<p>The Knicks have nine players of their own entering the free agency market and must decide if they will bring any of them back. At this moment, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and possibly Mitchell Robinson are the only locks for the starting rotation next season. The franchise known as the heartbeat of New York City must now explore the free agency market to fill out the rest of the roster and build a future of sustainable success.</p>
<p>Without further ado, let’s take a look at some unrestricted free agents that not only fit the Knicks’ timeline but can help improve the team right now.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential free agent targets: Guards </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_412532" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img class="size-full wp-image-412532" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1228007087.jpeg" alt="Phoenix Suns" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1228007087.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1228007087-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA free agency, New York Knicks (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>NBA free agency guard targets for the New York Knicks</h2>
<h3>Cameron Payne</h3>
<p>After spending parts of the 2019-20 season playing in China and the G-League, Cameron Payne revived his NBA career playing with the Phoenix Suns. In 68 games with the Suns, he showcased his scoring and playmaking abilities with averages of 16.9 points, 6.9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per 36 minutes while posting impressive shooting splits of .484/.451/.889.</p>
<p>He would likely have a similar role as a spark plug off the bench or even a stop-gap starter while the team continues developing its young core. Still, his ability to get out in transition and push the pace combined with his deft touch from outside could be exactly what the Knicks need.</p>
<h3>Dennis Schroder</h3>
<p>While he’s not exactly a playmaking guard, Dennis Schroder has proven to be a viable starting point guard in the NBA. He’s a plus defender and a solid scorer. He’s an inconsistent three-point shooter, but Schroder is at his best when attacking the basket and getting the defense on its heels, shooting 60 percent from within three feet of the rim last season and 56.3 percent for his career.</p>
<div class="related-categoryright"><div class="related-main-title">More from <span class="related-name">NBA Free Agency</span></div><ul><li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/08/20/teams-sign-fa-carmelo-anthony/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">4 teams that should jump at chance to sign free agent Carmelo Anthony</a>
</li><li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/08/16/nba-free-agency-grading-teams-trades-signings/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on trades and signings</a>
</li><li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/08/05/have-philadelphia-76ers-had-east-best-offseason/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Have the Philadelphia 76ers had the East’s best offseason?</a>
</li><li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/31/free-agents-golden-state-warriors/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">3 free agents still available for the Golden State Warriors to sign</a>
</li><li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/26/2022-nba-free-agency-centers/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed</a>
</li></ul></div>
<p>He turned down a four-year $84 million contract extension from the Lakers last season, so you know he’s looking for a big payday. On <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://youtu.be/BCW5cVwfHcQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chad Ford’s NBA Big Board Podcast</a>, Marc Stein suggested Schroder is seeking a contract in the $100 million range.</p>
<p>The Knicks have the cap space to appease the 27-year-old point guard financially, but I’m not sure it would be the smartest move to pay north of $20 million to a point guard who doesn’t raise the team’s floor much, especially when the team is still a few years away from truly competing for a title.</p>
<h3>Lou Williams</h3>
<p>Lou Williams is likely at the ring-chasing stage of his career, as evidenced by his threat of retirement after getting traded to the Atlanta Hawks last season. Still, if Sweet Lou decides winning a championship isn’t the end-all-be-all, he would be a welcome addition at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks ranked 12th in the NBA in bench scoring last season, and adding a three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner in Williams will only improve their bench.</p>
<h3>Danny Green</h3>
<p>The Knicks were the third-most efficient team from long range last season but ranked 27th in attempts per game (30) and 21st in 3-pointers made per game (11.8). Adding Danny Green, who shot 40.5 percent from behind the arc last season and 40.1 percent for his career, would give the franchise a much-needed boost in that department.</p>
<p>Green knows what it takes to win in this league. With four NBA Finals appearances and three titles under his belt, his veteran presence could be a critical factor in the growth of the Knicks’ young nucleus and the team continuing to take steps forward as a whole.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential free agent targets: Forwards </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_426558" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img class="size-full wp-image-426558" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1310700203.jpeg" alt="Orlando Magic" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1310700203.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1310700203-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA free agency, New York Knicks (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>NBA free agency forward targets for the New York Knicks</h2>
<h3>Nicolas Batum</h3>
<p>Nicolas Batum will be 33 years old in December and has dealt with a multitude of injuries over his 13-year career but proved he still has some gas left in the tank last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Healthy for the first time in nearly two years, he appeared in 67 of a possible 72 games and shot 40.4 percent from 3-point range and 46.4 percent from the field while posting his best defensive rating (108.2) since the 2016-17 season.</p>
<p>He’s been a consummate professional his entire career, and with such a young roster, Batum’s veteran presence would be a plus for the locker room and practice for the Knicks. His 3-point shooting and defensive versatility would just be a bonus.</p>
<h3>Carmelo Anthony</h3>
<p>Now that Phil Jackson and Steve Mills are floating somewhere in the multiverse, it’s time to bring Carmelo Anthony home. His newfound humility and willingness to accept a lesser role make this the perfect time to make it happen. Nothing short of winning a championship next year would make Knicks fans happier than seeing Melo suit up in a Knicks uniform again.</p>
<p>He would add depth at the forward position, and his ability to score in bunches off the bench would do wonders for a Knicks team that was middle of the pack in bench scoring last season.</p>
<h3>DeMar DeRozan</h3>
<p>Another forward the Knicks may target is DeMar DeRozan. I’m not a fan of the idea, but it would make sense. The twelve-year veteran is an efficient scorer adept at knocking down tough shots, can act as a tertiary playmaker, and has a ton of playoff experience.</p>
<p>The problem is he hurts floor spacing with his refusal to shoot 3-pointers. Even if he does decide he’s finally gonna stop zigging while everyone zags next season, he’s a career 28.1 percent 3-point shooter and never shot higher than 33.8 percent from deep. He’s also going to be 32-years-old when the 2021-22 season begins.</p>
<h3>Doug McDermott</h3>
<p>Doug McDermott is coming off the best statistical season of his career in which he averaged career-highs in points (13.6) and rebounds (3.3) while playing a career-high 24.5 minutes per game. McDermott is an efficient shooter and deadly threat from behind the arc, shooting 40.5 percent from three for his career. The Knicks should be able to obtain his services on a team-friendly contract as he’s never earned more than $7.33 million in a season. Also, there’s the familiarity factor as he played briefly for New York during the 2017-18 season when he came over as part of the trade that sent Melo to the OKC Thunder.</p>
<h3>Tim Hardaway Jr.</h3>
<p>Targeting former Knicks seems to be a common theme here, and for a good reason. Tim Hardaway Jr., who was originally drafted by the Knicks, has improved his game since his days of playing in Madison Square Garden. His shooting touch has gotten better, and he’s become more aggressive attacking driving lanes and is a much smarter passer than two-and-a-half years ago when he last suited up for the Knicks.</p>
<p>It’s not very likely he signs with a team who traded him, signed him as a free agent, and then traded him again. But it’s not out of the realm of possibility. The only thing that’s certain is Hardaway is looking for a big pay-day, and the Knicks are one of the few teams that have the cap space to make it happen.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential free agent targets: Centers </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_433786" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img class="size-full wp-image-433786" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1312657681.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1312657681.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1312657681-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA free agency, New York Knicks (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>NBA free agency center targets for the New York Knicks</h2>
<h3>Kelly Olynyk</h3>
<p>After being traded to the Houston Rockets last season, we all finally got the chance to see what Kelly Olynyk could do if given big minutes on a nightly basis. And he did not disappoint. In 27 games with the Rockets, he averaged 19 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 31.1 minutes per game while posting gaudy shooting splits of .545/.392/.844.</p>
<p>Olynyk scored at least 16 points in 20 and scored 20-plus points in 15 of those games. He also notched 11 double-doubles during his time with the Rockets, including a stellar performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he recorded a stat line of 27 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 blocks.</p>
<p>Adding the 6’11 former lottery pick addresses the franchise’s needs for long-range and front-court depth.</p>
<h3>Cody Zeller</h3>
<p>Signing Cody Zeller would be purely a depth move. He’s a smart basketball player, but he’s not great at any one skill, but he’s good at almost everything. There isn’t a large market for centers that can’t stay healthy and don’t stretch the floor, so the price tag to sign someone like Zeller shouldn’t be very high.</p>
<p>Should the Knicks choose to exercise their team option and guarantee the final year of Mitchell Robinson’s contract, Zeller can slot in as his backup and provide serviceable minutes off the bench.</p>
<h3>Daniel Theis</h3>
<p>Daniel Theis is undersized for his position, but he’s a smart player and can hold his own against taller opponents. Another guy that isn’t really a shot-blocker, but he’s a solid post-defender and excellent defending the pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>His knack for doing the “dirty work” and willingness to play physical fits perfectly with Thibodeau’s coaching philosophy and the culture he’s building in New York.</p>
<h3>Robin Lopez</h3>
<p>Robin Lopez is another smart, savvy veteran who could help improve the Knicks around the margins while taking another step forward as a team. While he’s not an elite shot-blocker, he does a pretty good job protecting the rim and altering shots around the basket.</p>
<p>Something that doesn’t get talked about enough is his offense. He never really looks for his own shot as that’s never been his role, but he’s also an efficient and effective scorer. 42.1 percent of his 425 field goal attempts came from within the restricted area last season, and he converted 70.9 percent of them.</p>
<p>Lopez should cost around the same as Noel did this past offseason, maybe slightly less given his lack of shot-blocking. At the very least, defending Julius every day at practice should help the Knicks’ star player improve.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/2021-nba-free-agency-tracker-grades/" data-call-to-action="Next"
> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/new-york-knicks-nba-free-agency/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/02/2021-nba-free-agency-tracker-grades/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal </a> </div>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—>">
