New York Knicks: Five burning questions for the 2018-19 season
As the 2018-19 season nears for the New York Knicks, questions linger on the 82-game campaign.
It’s a new season for the New York Knicks, which means fresh expectations for returning and new players as well as the head coach, David Fizdale, who the organization hired in May. All the pieces will blend for the 2018-19 campaign.
With expectations come questions, however, that surround the team. Some revolve position battles, while others include player development and injuries, especially to New York’s superstar.
There’s even an eye on the future, as the Knicks prep for an historic free-agent class in July.
Where does all this leave the five burning questions for the 2018-19 season? What should fans ponder about the latest Knicks team? Let’s take a look:
5. Can the Knicks clear more cap space after Joakim Noah’s departure?
The New York Knicks project to have over $30 million in cap space for 2019 free agency. With Joakim Noah’s impending departure, that number will obviously grow, although it’s unknown by how much since he remains part of the roster.
If the Knicks are out of the playoff mix by February, they could sell veterans to acquire draft compensation. While that puts players with expiring contracts on the trade block, there’s also those with deals that run through 2019-20.
Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee are the only guaranteed contracts above $10 million to sit on the 2019-20 salary cap. With the former’s stance as the leading scorer without Kristaps Porzingis, and the lack of developed options afterward, it would be a surprise to see him move.
As for Lee, he entered trade speculation in September, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post, with the apparent desire to go to a playoff contender via trade. Nothing followed, but with $12.7 million owed in 2019-20, will the Knicks shop the veteran guard to clear space?
The problem with this, is who will assume Lee’s contract while sending minimal to no money back that also runs through next season? New York needs help to make that happen, unless they sweeten an offer with draft picks, which probably won’t happen, either.
It’s a task to accumulate more cap space for 2019. After it only took one team to call the Los Angeles Lakers with interest in Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson at the 2018 deadline, though, maybe the Knicks can find their own luck.