New York Knicks: Five free agents to attempt to sign in 2018

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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 28: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on March 28, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Mario Hezonja

The Orlando Magic declined the opportunity to pick up the fourth season on Mario Hezonja’s contract. That seemed to become motivation for the former top-five pick, as Hezonja pieced together the best season of his NBA career thus far in 2017-18.

Buyer beware of the contract-year standout, but Hezonja is a player whom Scott Perry is familiar with—and whom the New York Knicks could sign for an affordable cost.

Perry was a member of Orlando’s front office when it selected Hezonja with the No. 5 overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft. It’s been an underwhelming three seasons since that transpired, but Hezonja will be an unrestricted free agent at 23 years of age.

He’s also coming off of a season during which he set career-highs in points, rebounds, steals, blocks, and three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.

Perhaps Hezonja won’t work out for the Knicks, but he should be available for a low price on a short-term deal. The worst case scenario is that New York takes a chance on an athletic 6’8″ wing who can play above the rim and shoot with expanding range.

The best case scenario is that Hezonja becomes the 3 of the future, with Knox shifting over to the 4 and Kristaps Porzingis playing as a 5. Why not take a low-risk chance?