Free agency is still months away, but the New York Knicks need to keep their sights on options leading up to the summer.
Not too long after my last post, I looked into the upcoming batch of free agents because I piqued my own curiosity.
As I mentioned, many Knicks fans are hopeful that Kevin Durant will be interested in making his way to MSG and joining the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and former teammate Derek Fisher (if he’s not fired by then). I always hope for the New York Knicks to get their stroke of luck, but sadly, I just don’t think Durant will want to join the Knicks.
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They’re struggling this year to fight their way to the playoffs. Initially, the Knicks seemed like they were on their way to cracking the 8th seed, but now they’re on a losing streak and are struggling to find themselves against playoff teams. Though this hurts their chances for snagging big name free agents in the summer of 2016, it doesn’t exactly ruin their chances of collecting quality pieces in free agency.
Nicolas Batum is one of the unrestricted free agents that should definitely be on the Knicks’ radar. He’s making under $12 million this year and could be bought for relatively cheap by New York (considering their cap space for the upcoming season). Though Batum has been playing at an elite level once again on offense, while offering solid defense, I don’t think his skill warrants the likes of a max-contract. He’d be a solid addition to the Knicks’ front-court for both defensive and offensive reasons. He’s averaging 14.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game this season.
Mike Conley is also another player that the Knicks can acquire for relatively cheap. He’s expected to make under $10 million this season, and he doesn’t carry enough of a star presence to be considered too expensive. If he signs, he fills a major void at the point guard position for New York.
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He operates magnificently at both ends of the floor, and although his numbers aren’t superb, they get the job done for a starting point-guard. However, the alternative to filling the guard position would be the Calderon-Teague trade that has been floating around in rumor talks. The Knicks could actually commit to that trade and not be hurt in cap space, if they decide that Durant is too far out of reach. This means that scooping up Conley might not be as important, and buying free agents at other positions can be made possible.
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If all else fails, the Knicks could stick with what they’ve got and go after the likes of Ish Smith or Mario Chalmers. Both guards would be unrestricted free agents after this season, and their salaries don’t impede much of the Knicks operating space. Ish Smith has exploded since being moved to Philadelphia, and Chalmers is playing a solid bench role for Memphis. Both are completely capable of starting on the Knicks, so waiting out Calderon’s contract and chasing after one of these guys could do the Knicks some justice next season.
Kent Bazemore is also up for grabs after this season, thought the Atlanta Hawks are going to fight hard to keep him on. He’s had a breakout season at the swingman role, and he is capable of high-volume three-point shooting. He’s a decent piece of youth to have on a roster, and with the Hawks shopping Teague, Bazemore might end up finding his role being increased. For that reason, things become a little tough for Atlanta, because they don’t exactly have pieces to protect them from Bazemore leaving.
Next: NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks' Most Realistic Trade Targets
The Knicks have a lot of money to move around in order to build a quality roster for next season. Melo is getting older, and some basketball fans think he’s losing his touch on the court. I’d have to argue he’s playing his best basketball yet, and he just needs players around him in order to bring the Knicks further. Phil Jackson managed to scoop up multiple quality free agents last summer, and he should be thinking of doing it again this summer rather than getting hung up on the superstars.