2015 NBA Free Agents: Ranking Them by Tier and Fit

Regardless of whom the Knickerbockers pick in the draft, they’ll be focusing much of their off-season attention on the 2015 free agent class as per Phil Jackson. It’s filled with talent where the Knicks need it.

So here’s a comprehensive list of who’s up for grabs this summer.

The fit part of the rankings will be based on him, Carmelo Anthony and the Triangle offense.

In parentheses are projected market values for players. Things such as how much it would make to sign a restricted free agent are not factored in.

Tier 1:

The first tier of NBA free agents is quite rich. While it lacks top superstars, some of the best players in the game will be available.

Big men:

Marc Gasol ($18M) Perhaps the top free agent on the market, Marc Gasol is the quintessential Center for a Triangle loving team such as the Knicks. While it’s unlikely he goes anywhere else this summer.
LaMarcus Aldridge ($17M)
Deandre Jordan ($14M) Deandre Jordan is a very solid option at the five spot. His defensive ability would take a ton of pressure off everyone else on the team. Add Wesley Matthews and Karl Towns and the Knicks are suddenly an elite defensive team. Jordan would be worth every penny of that contract. On top of that, he’s one of the youngest elite players at just 26 years old.
Al Jefferson ($13M) The aging veteran will command a huge salary. Knicks should stay away or they’ll be paying a ton once he starts to decline which could be as soon as next season, despite a great year on a personal level.
Kevin Love ($15M) It’s been reported is not entirely comfortable in Cleveland. If the Cavs don’t reach the finals it’s very likely he could opt out and test the market. As reported on our site, he’s terrific fit for New York and the Triangle.
Draymond Green ($12M)
Paul Millsap ($12M) The only reason why Millsap would leave the best team in the league is if they did not continue their streak in the playoffs. If somehow he was available, the Knicks should not pursue him as he is on the older side at 30. However, his game could fit the triangle so there is a real question mark here.

Wings:

Jimmy Butler ($16M) The young all star is having a true career season. He could be interesting but the Bulls will match anything they can. New York should not spend most of their cap on just one player.
Lebron James ($23M) The king has a player option but let’s not dream here. He’s not a good fit for the triangle and he won’t be coming to the New York Knicks. Should not really be on this list.

Guards:

Goran Dragic ($11M) The Knicks missed out on Dragic at the deadline as they were not willing to give up their 2018 first rounder. We can applaud Phil for not compromising the future for a half season rental. Despite Miami getting him, he’s still playing alongside two aging stars with Wade at 33 and Bosh at 30. It’s possible he tests the market. If so, New York will be attractive. He’s a great fit for the Triangle with his lethal shooting and floor spacing capabilities. The ideal point guard target in my opinion.
Brandon Knight ($13M) Despite many laughable moments, Knight has truly become a great player. He’s young and still has room for improvement. Being restricted, he’ll likely stay put this summer.

Tier 2:

Likely the richest tier of the upcoming class, here is the talent we’re dealing with:

Big men:

Greg Monroe ($12M) Monroe is a definite target. His game fits the triangle well, so look for him to be a prime candidate at under 12 million.
Brook Lopez ($9M) Lopez is a terrific center on the offensive end. He would be a good fit but he’s getting older and is tremendously injury-prone. That could bring his price down to 9 million but the Knicks have to stay away here. Leave to a team that will overpay him.
Robin Lopez ($8M) I believe Robin Lopez is next in line for best fit. After Jordan and Monroe, the next player New York should sign is Robin Lopez. He’s cost effective and terrific rim protector, just imagine pairing him with Towns. He is on the cheaper end, see at 8 or 9 million a year. He’s just 26 and will soon be entering his prime. New York should absolutely sign him if they miss out on Monroe and Jordan.
Tyson Chandler ($10M) Nothing to say here, he’s having a good season and the Knicks should have kept him and dealt him to Phoenix for Dragic. He left in bad terms and will not be coming back.

Wings:

Wesley Matthews ($9M) Despite his injury, Mathews could still cost as much as 9 million considering the terrific season he was having. He’s the guy every Knicks fan hoped Iman Shumpert would develop into. Knicks MUST sign him at shooting guard.
Arron Afllalo ($8M) Arron Afllalo is Mathews’ teammate. Portland likely won’t keep both so there’s actually a decent chance New York can get one of them. Afflalo is a good fit as well but slightly older. At 7-8 million he’s a good signing.
Tobias Harris ($9M) The Long Islander has been linked to the Knicks. He is restricted but is said to be looking to leave the Magic. He is a good 4th or 5th option at power forward for the Knicks. He’s still young and improving but New York shouldn’t over pay for him as he’s not a great defender and a bit undersized.

Guards:

Reggie Jackson ($9M) Linked to Knicks at the deadline, he does not make sense for New York at more than 9 million. Being restricted it’s likely Detroit will match anything.
Rajon Rondo ($9M) Likely leaving Dallas after his incident with head coach Rick Carlisle, he’s a terrible fit for New York and on the decline.
Monta Ellis ($10M) Not sure where he would fit but he’s likely staying in Dallas anyway.

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Tier 3:

The Knicks need to make key additions here as well if they want to build a true title contender bench. There is no shame in being in this tier, these are all solid players Phil should seriously consider.

Big men:

Kosta Koufos ($5M) Koufos is currently playing for Memphis where he is the backup for aforementioned Marc Gasol. He’d be solid get if the Knicks miss out on the bigger free agents. However, 5 million is much too steep for a bench player.
Brandon Wright ($4M) Likely a cheaper option, Brandon Wright is not a good defensive player. However his offensive game would be a nice spark of energy off the bench.
Omer Asik ($6M) Omer Asik is having a decent season playing alongside Anthony Davis. His production being decent, he is a possibility if the New York Knicks miss out on the bigger names.
Amir Johnson ($5M) This guy is the heart and soul of Toronto but could walk if the money is right. The New York Knicks shouldn’t overpay him as there will be other options.
Tristan Thompson ($6M) It’s unlikely he’ll leave the Cavaliers, but he is a young player the Knicks could and should consider.
Thomas Robinson ($3M) He’s a cheap option with a lot of potential. Could be good off the bench.

Wings:

Wilson Chandler ($7M) Wilson has been on the Knicks before but was sent away in the Melo package megadeal. He can play the 2,3, and 4 spots. He’s super athletic and plays solid defense on top of great outside shooting. However, he’s likely too expensive to be a sixth man.
DaMarre Carroll ($5M) Having a great one with Atlanta, he would not start due to Carmelo being on the team..however, he would be a very solid sixth man.
Chris Middleton ($6M) Chris Middleton is having a surprisingly good season on the playoff bound young Bucks. He’s very much an option to come off the bench and is a prospect the Knicks could develop. It’s likely they’ll keep him, though.

Guards:

Nate Robinson ($3M) Nate Robinson has played in New York before. He knows the fans and the expectations that come with playing in New York.
Patrick Beverly ($3M) Beverly is starting on the elite Rockets. He’s athletic and can pass well. He’s a good fit for the Triangle despite his size (6’1″) because he can really shoot the ball from outside. Teams double teaming Melo would be giving good looks at the basket. Think of him as possible starter if New York misses out on the other guys, or as luxury bench player.
Iman Shumpert ($5M) Iman was playing very well before he was used as trading chip to get rid of Jr Smith’s contract. He’s now a role player on the Cavaliers. There’s a slim chance he comes back but it’s unlikely as the Knicks did not extend him.
Mo Williams ($4M) Mo Williams has been terrific since traded to Charlotte. He’s been like linked with the Knicks in the past. A real option as backup point guard.
Jeremy Lin ($5M) Jeremy Lin left the Knicks after an incredible run and has been average ever since. His game is perfect for the Triangle and maybe coming back to Gotham is just what he needs. Look for him to be a sixth man or starter if the Knicks miss out.
K.J McDaniels ($5M) The young prospect has had a good season so far. He’ll be looking at a big payday this summer. Likely a bad fit if the Knicks still have Tim Hardaway Jr.

Please tell us what who you think the Knicks should sign, keeping in mind they will have 25-33 million in cap space after signing the lottery pick. This number varies form 25 to 33 if the Knicks trade Calderon away in a salary dumping effort.

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