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New York Knicks: Best Free Agent Fits At Center

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) defends during the first quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) defends during the first quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Festus Ezeli, RFA

2015-16 Team: Golden State Warriors
Age: 26
Slash Line: .548/.000/.530
Season Averages: 16.7 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 1.1 BPG

There’s a very good chance that the Golden State Warriors hold onto restricted free agent Festus Ezeli. His qualifying offer is worth an easily affordable $3,013,122, and his market value shouldn’t be too extreme with a healthy supply of centers in 2016.

If Golden State prioritize re-signing Harrison Barnes and Marreese Speights, however, Ezeli could become available for the Knicks to swoop in and sign.

It stands to reason that Ezeli will be looking to start for an NBA team in 2016-17 after having a very solid season in 2015-16. He limited opponents to 43.6 percent shooting at the rim, and averaged 15.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes.

If Ezeli can be had for an affordable cost that creates minimal limitations on New York’s broad free agency search, however, he should be a focus.

The reason Ezeli is an honorable mention, and not one of the Top 5 players listed, is the unlikelihood of New York signing him. Ezeli is a restricted free agent who has created the perfect storm for a team to overpay on a long-term deal.

That doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t live up to the price tag, but Ezeli appears to be out of New York’s reach.

Next: Adding Athleticism

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