New York Knicks: Pending Free Agents To Watch In 2017 All-Star Game

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Feb 18, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Eastern Conference forward Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks (4) during the NBA All-Star Practice at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Paul Millsap, Player Option

Position: Power Forward
Age: 32 (2/10/1985)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .439/.327/.763
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.2 MPG, 17.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 1.2 3PM

The Atlanta Hawks have publicly assured Paul Millsap that he won’t be traded. Millsap will be a free agent in 2017, however, and that opens the door for Phil Jackson to acquire a legitimately elite defensive player.

If the Hawks fail to re-sign Millsap, then the Knicks could solidify the entire defense by adding the 32-year-old power forward to the starting lineup.

Millsap is one of the most versatile players in the NBA—a truth that holds true on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he can space the floor, go to the post, take his man off the bounce, work the pick and roll, run the floor, and crash the offensive glass.

Defensively, Millsap can defend multiple positions, switch on the pick and roll, box out to help teammates grab rebounds, and produce accordingly.

Millsap is one of two players in the NBA who have recorded at least 900 points, 400 rebounds, 150 assists, 75 steals, 50 blocks, and 50 3-point field goals made at the 2017 All-Star Break. The only other player who has reached those marks in 2016-17 is DeMarcus Cousins.

The question is: what type of contract could the Knicks safely give to a 32-year-old who’s close to completing his 11th NBA season?

Must Read: Which New York Knicks stars have the most career All-Star Game appearances?

The All-Star Game is more than just a showcase of the stars; it’s a platform for the New York Knicks’ scouts to evaluate the future.

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