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How the New York Knicks Can Offer a Max Contract

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23), guard Arron Afflalo (4) and guard Jose Calderon (3) celebrate against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23), guard Arron Afflalo (4) and guard Jose Calderon (3) celebrate against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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There is a very realistic way for the New York Knicks to clear enough cap space to offer a max contract. Find out how such an occurrence could transpire.

One of the biggest mysteries in all of sports is what Phil Jackson will do to rebuild the New York Knicks. He’s already made tremendous progress by re-signing Carmelo Anthony, drafting Kristaps Porzingis, and acquiring Robin Lopez, but missing the playoffs establishes that there’s still something missing.

New York is projected to have roughly $18 million in cap space this coming summer, but that number could be significantly higher if two realistic events come to fruition.

30-year-old shooting guard Arron Afflalo has a player option worth $8 million for 2016-17. 24-year-old forward Derrick Williams has a player option worth $4.4 million for next season, as well.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Afflalo and Williams’ respective decisions could create enough cap space for the Knicks to offer a max contract.

"If Afflalo opts out, it will give the Knicks a total of $26.4 million to spend this summer.Williams’ 2016-17 player option is worth $4.6 million. If he opts out, it would bring the Knicks’ total cap space to $30.5 million, which takes into account a $500,000 roster exemption that needs to be added for teams with fewer than 12 players under contract."

Not many expect the Knicks to have a shot at Kevin Durant, but this could, at the very least, create an opportunity to sign him.

Assuming Afflalo opts out and Williams opts in, Begley explains that New York would be able to offer Durant a max contract with a $25 million salary during the first season. Williams doing so would enable the Knicks to sign a player to a max contract and still have cap space remaining.

That mere possibility is something that should intrigue and entice Knicks fans.

Even if New York fails to sign a player to a max contract, adding nearly $12 million in cap space would create significantly greater possibilities. Not only would it enable New York to sign a point guard such as Mike Conley or Rajon Rondo, but it could potentially create the cap space necessary to add a second starting-caliber contributor.

That’d be quite the upgrade over the possibilities that exist with $18 million of cap room.

If Afflalo and Williams opt in, not all will be lost for the Knicks. Williams has provided great energy coming off of the bench, and while most have been critical of the way Afflalo has handled his benching, there’s no question that he made a positive impact in 2015-16.

For perspective, New York went 17-13 when Afflalo shot 45.0 percent from the field or better, 13-11 when he scored at least 15 points, and opened the year at 22-22 with heavy influence from his efforts.

If Afflalo proves willing to play the role of sixth man in 2015-16, he could legitimize the Knicks’ second unit. He’s averaging 13.2 points on a slash line of .448/.384/.832, which is right on par with the production expected of a player in such a role.

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Whether or not Afflalo and Williams accept their respective player options, this will undoubtedly be one of the biggest summers in franchise history.

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