New York Knicks: Five reasons to re-sign Isaiah Hicks

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 02: Isaiah Hicks #4 of the New York Knicks warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 11: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Isaiah Hicks #4 of the New York Knicks in action against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2018 in New York City. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 132-106. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

5. Adhering To The Vision

New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry has made it as clear as day that he doesn’t want to take on any long-term contracts. New York projects to have considerable cap space in 2019, and Perry wants to maximize the available dollars.

If Perry’s goal is to utilize the 2018 offseason to limit financial commitments and explore untapped potential, Isaiah Hicks is his guy.

New York could realistically sign Hicks to a one-year deal that would enable it to preserve cap space for the 2019 campaign. He could sign elsewhere, but his commitment to playing for the Knicks at Summer League is a clear indication of where he wants to be.

Signing him to a multi-year deal is also an option, as Hicks could be locked in for the foreseeable future without much concern about the financial burden.

Saving room for a star-caliber free agent is the wise priority, but the Knicks can’t stop building for the future. Cost-efficient deals for long-term assets remain necessary, as New York will need a supporting cast to put around any combination of stars.

That’s especially true with Kristaps Porzingis a year away from free agency—a clear sign that players like Hicks could become essential personnel.