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New York Knicks: Mario Hezonja can earn long-term spot

By Maxwell Ogden

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Mario Hezonja and Head Coach David Fizdale of the New York Knicks poses for a photo announcing Mario's signing on July 10, 2018 at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Mario Hezonja and Head Coach David Fizdale of the New York Knicks poses for a photo announcing Mario's signing on July 10, 2018 at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks signed Mario Hezonja to a one-year deal, but president Steve Mills believes that the Croatian forward can earn a long-term spot.

The New York Knicks have made it clear that the goal in 2018 is to preserve cap space for the summer of 2019. That’s inevitably birthed the belief that New York will be a factor in free agency when a vast number of All-Stars hit the open market.

As the Knicks prepare for the opportunity to sign a franchise-altering player, it appears as though a current player could change the outlook: Mario Hezonja.

New York recently signed Hezonja to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million. While that may suggest that this is a one-year trial period, there could be a long-term union in the event that the 23-year-old lives up to expectations in 2018-19.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, team president Steve Mills believes that Hezonja can become a part of the Knicks’ long-term rebuild.

"“We didn’t say our ultimate goal was to have cap room in 2019 — that’s just a byproduct of the situation of how our salaries line up,’’ Mills said. “There’s no reason to think if Mario does really well, he shouldn’t be part of what we’re doing. Our goal is to put together a Knick team that could be competitive in the long-term.”"

There’s certainly upside to explore, but this is a belief that could severely impact the direction of New York’s plan.

Hezonja will enter unrestricted free agency during the summer of 2019. In order to be able to go over the salary cap to re-sign him, however, the Knicks would need to place a cap hold of roughly $9 million on the former top-five draft pick.

In the event that such transpires, the Knicks could find themselves unable to sign a player from a different team to a max-level contract.

That would certainly change the nature of the rebuild, as the Knicks would likely be forced to settle for a second-tier star, if that.

True as that may be, New York is currently building around a young core that will need time before they’re ready to contend. Kristaps Porzingis is 22 years of age, Frank Ntilikina is 19, and Kevin Knox is 18. Tim Hardaway Jr. recently turned 26, but he’s a player with something to prove.

It’s possible that New York will be able to make a Boston Celtics style leap to the realm of contending, but it’s also plausible that it will covet the opportunity to re-sign an up-and-comer.

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Regardless of what transpires, it appears as though Steve Mills, Scott Perry, and the New York Knicks will be methodical with their actions.

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