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New York Knicks: Where should they turn in the offseason?

By John Azzato

GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With the 2017-2018 regular season winding down, teams like the New York Knicks must formulate a game plan. What do they plan to do with the offseason, whether it be in free agency or through trade?

With most of the team returning next year, most moves the New York Knicks make will likely happen through trades. Contracts of Michael Beasley and Jarrett Jack will expire, while Enes Kanter must decide which way he wants to go with his player option.

The Knicks will have to decide which way they want to lean to improve this team in the offseason.

Rebuild Right

If the Knicks really want to rebuild correctly, like they say they do, then they must put those words into action. They must decide what type of team they want to build.

Taking what the team says to be true, they want to start by becoming younger and more athletic. Trades may be a difficult route to acquire these options, due to the fact that they have little assets to offer.

One asset they do have that could contribute to a contender is Courtney Lee.

On a rebuilding team, Lee has little value. If the Knicks could package him in a trade that includes a draft pick or a younger raw player with potential, that may be a good first step.

The draft is also a huge part of the way the Knicks can set up their team for next year. Projected to have a solid pick, they can get talent that will have an immediate impact on the team. If they want, they can replace Lee with a young athletic wing.

The Knicks seem to be interested in adding players like this, signing a young athletic wing to a second 10-day contract in Troy Williams.

The Perfect Pair

By signing young athletic players in free agency and the draft, they must pair them with cheap leadership options. This is vital to the growth of those young players, and those veterans can help mold their game.

The veterans they sign should align with the philosophies they want the rest of the team to emulate.

Young players will look up to the veterans hoping to mirror the success they have been able to find in the league. A player like Tony Allen may be an interesting option. He would be a great help in teaching young guys defense, and could be signed to an affordable contract.

If the Knicks want young, athletic players who can play defense, they have to plan accordingly. Drafting young athletic players, and bringing in suitable vets like Allen may accomplish that goal.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Draft: One sleeper to study at every position

If the New York Knicks have a philosophy in mind, they must pair the young players who fit that philosophy with the vets who have emulated that philosophy throughout their careers.

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