The New York Knicks have reportedly reached out to free agent power forward Alan Williams. What would the pros and cons be of signing him?
The New York Knicks are in the process of scouring the open market for quality players who can facilitate the turnaround of the organization. Veterans remain on the radar, but general manager Steve Mills is committed to a youth movement.
In the early hours of free agency, New York may have found the next building block in the construction of a bright future.
In the post-Phil Jackson era, the Knicks continue to build around Kristaps Porzingis, Willy Hernangomez, and Frank Ntilikina. All three were draft-night acquisitions by Jackson, and all three have shown flashes of star potential.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the Knicks are interested in complementing that trio with free agent power forward Alan Williams.
"The Knicks reached out to Suns’ restricted free agent Alan Williams on the first night of free agency, league sources told ESPN."
Williams is something of an enigma, but he turned heads in 2016-17 with his power, energy, and will to succeed.
Before moving on with the on-court pros and cons, the contractual issue must be acknowledged. Williams is a restricted free agent, which grants the Phoenix Suns the right to match any contract offer he receives.
That could force the Knicks to spend more money than they’re comfortable with on a free agent who, with all things considered, is a relative unknown.
As the New York Knicks search for ways to discover stability, however, it’s players like Alan Williams who could serve as the glue.