New York Knicks: Top 5 Free Agent Small Forwards

Honorable Mention: Luol Deng, UFA

2015-16 Team: Miami Heat

Age: 31

Slash Line: .455/.344/.755

Season Averages: 32.4 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 3PM

There’s a stronger chance than not that Luol Deng will be starting for a postseason team in 2015-16. Thus, it doesn’t make much sense to rank him much higher than No. 5, even if he is a superior option to some of the players ranked ahead of him.

One simply can’t fathom leaving him off of this list.

If the Knicks were to somehow land Deng for an acceptable price, and he were willing to be the sixth man, the team would become a far more legitimate contender. He’s a proven postseason performer who may not be the star he was with the Chicago Bulls, but plays selflessly and methodically.

Deng has learned to pick his spots, which is a trait that’s valuable to any and all teams.

Deng is making roughly $10.2 million in 2015-16, and could look to receive a similar income under the rising salary cap. That number would be much easier to stomach than the $12-to-$15 million that he’s likely to command if he signs a short-term deal.

Deng is likely to be unavailable to the Knicks, but he’s nothing if not intriguing.

Next: New York's Odom