It’s no secret the Knicks should be active chasing free agents this summer. It’s likely Phil Jackson’s ears will be numb from making so many calls. Four of the premier free agents this summer are current Portland Trail Blazers. After all having a terrific season, it’s reported they’ll all be looking to increase their salaries. Portland probably won’t be able to sign all four to deals they’re happy with unless they all take pay cuts which is unlikely.
LaMarcus Aldridge (Power forward, 17 million)
Many have linked Aldridge to the Knicks for a while now. Reporters were grilling him during All Star weekend about coming to New York. He’s a true superstar and his signing would forge Jackson’s legacy as a President of Basketball operations. Aldridge is currently right in his prime and will look for a max deal, likely between 15 and 20 million per year. Even though it would not be wise for the Knicks to put all their eggs in the same basket, the forward boasts outstanding statistics: 23.2 points per game to go along with 10.5 boards and nearly 2 assists. His offensive game would be a great fit for Carmelo Anthony and the thought of seeing both playing together is too much to bear for all Knicks fans.
Wesley Matthews (Shooting guard, 9 million)
Mar 5, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) grimaces in pain in the third quarter against Dallas Mavericks at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
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Wesley Matthews is a star two way-guard, basically everything the Knicks wanted Iman Shumpert to be. Before his season-ending injury, he was averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists for the Blazers. But the key here is his defense. Matthews puts his heart and soul into defending and is often awarded the role of guarding the other team’s best player. Now more than ever, the Knicks need an elite wing defender. After the injury, it’s likely his market value will take a hit and he could be had for 8 to 11 million. If the Knicks can sign for that much, they should do it without looking back. Despite talks about him now being injury prone, he’s the type of player that will work non-stop until he fully recovers.
Robin Lopez (Center, 8 million)
Feb 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) reacts after making a basket during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
On top of needing a wing defender, the Knicks also need a paint defender. Robin Lopez will be looking for a big pay increase and could ask for 7 to 9 million dollars per year. He’s averaging nearly 10 points, 7 rebounds and 1 assist per game. His appeal is his defensive game and energy which New York has been lacking since Tyson Chandler left the club last summer.
Arron Afflalo (Shooting guard, 8 million)
Just like Mathews, Aaron Afflalo can knock down the three ball at a very high percentage. He’s also a terrific defender on the wing and in many ways is similar to him. However, he’s arguably the lesser player and should be the easiest one to sign. His market value could be about 8 million per year though it’s unclear now that he’ll get more playing time after Matthews is out for the remainder of the season. The 29-year-old LA native averages 14 points, 3 boards and 2 dishes per game. He’s got a player option but could want to opt-out and look for a permanent starting role.
The Knicks should be able to pry at least one of them this summer. If they do, being realistic, which one would you want?
Next: Knicks: How Wesley Matthews' Injury Impacts Free Agency