Step 4: 2017 Free Agency
If the 2016 class of free agents turned heads, then the 2017 crop of players will cause whiplash. Some of the biggest names in the NBA will hit the open market, including some of the top point guards in the Association.
Now that the New York Knicks have an established core and a team identity, recruiting those players may actually be a realistic goal.
Prior to the Knicks’ offseason work in 2016, it was laughable to believe that they’d have any chance at a top free agent in 2017. Assuming the roster plays up to its potential, however, the pursuit of a star-caliber talent could be rewarding.
For those unfamiliar with the upcoming class of free agents, there are quite a few players to target and consider.
At point guard, the likes of Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Kyle Loqry Chris Paul, Jeff Teague, and Russell Westbrook will all be eligible for free agency. At shooting guard, the likes of Tony Allen, Andre Iguodala, C.J McCollum, Victor Oladipo, and J.J. Redick are slated to come off the books.
Throw in the likes of Blake Griffin and Serge Ibaka, and it’s clear that New York has made key improvements at the perfect time.
Next: Step 5: In Progress