Knicks: Top Free Agency Targets After Goran Dragic Trade
Nov 28, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center
Marc Gasol(33) tries to get past Portland Trail Blazers forward
LaMarcus Aldridge(12) during the first quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
With mere minutes remaining until the 2015 NBA Trade Deadline, a dream scenario appeared to be playing out. Embattled point guard Goran Dragic, who’d requested a trade from the Phoenix Suns and listed the New York Knicks as a preferred destination, was rumored to be staying put.
Per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles, it was owner Robert Sarver who refused to deal the reigning Most Improved Player.
Word from Phx is that owner has dug in & told folks he won't trade Dragic. That, of course, wouldn't be the 1st time an owner dug in.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 19, 2015
The light at the end of the tunnel began to present itself for Phil Jackson and the Knicks.
Dragic was set to remain with the Suns for the rest of 2014-15, thus becoming an unrestricted free agent with his options open. The other top preferences, the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, would have a level playing ground with the Knicks come free agency.
Suddenly, in an act that suggests the basketball Gods have a different vision for New York’s team, the Heat and Suns beat the buzzer with a deadline deal.
Source: Miami sends Danny Granger, Norris Cole, Shawne Williams, Jordan Hamilton and two first-round picks to the Suns for Dragic brothers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 19, 2015
This changes everything.
It’s no guarantee that Dragic will re-sign with the Heat, which leaves the option open that the Knicks could swoop in and steal him. Thus, the vision of the Slovenian star running point in the Triangle Offense still holds weight.
Chances are, Pat Riley wouldn’t have made a deal for Dragic if he didn’t have a verbal commitment for the future.
The Heat would not have done this trade for Dragic without feeling good that he re-signs this summer. Expectation is he'll get a 5-year max
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 19, 2015
Should all of this hold true, the Knicks must look elsewhere.
It was never Dragic or bust, but he’d become something of a favorite due to the way his skill set fits the Triangle Offense. He can handle the ball, facilitate and shoot with efficiency, which makes him the proverbial Swiss Army Knife of offensive point guards.
The question is, who else should the Knicks target this coming offseason?
Next: Anchoring the Triangle