With most of the New York Knicks roster on expiring contracts, how have they performed nearly two months into the 2018-19 season?
The New York Knicks have an eye on the 2019 offseason and the season afterward. There’s still about three-quarters of a campaign to play now, but with most of the current roster set for free agency, changes are inevitably on the way.
On expiring contracts, some of these players have stepped up for the Knicks. Others fell into the background and may have seen their stock tank for their next deal.
So, on Dec. 7, where do New York’s potential free agents stand in the 2018-19 season? Has someone boosted their stock more than the others? Let’s take a look:
- Enes Kanter: Entering Thursday’s game, Kanter averaged 14.9 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. He’s still poor defensively, but these gaudy offensive numbers should provide a multi-year contract from another team. Though it’s difficult to think he makes over $18 million next year no matter where he signs.
- Lance Thomas: Thomas’ $7.5 million is unguaranteed for 2019-20, and given his limited role pre-injury, it’s fair to expect him to hit the open market in July. He remains out with a knee injury.
- Mario Hezonja: Despite struggling, head coach David Fizdale let Hezonja start, which led to 33 percent shooting, as of the loss to Boston. This role doesn’t seem long for the Croatian forward who’s making $6.5 million on a one-year deal.
- Kristaps Porzingis: Still out due to injury recovery, it’s possible Porzingis sits for the entire 2018-19 campaign. Afterward, he will become a restricted free agent, and the Knicks can match any signed offer sheet.
- Ron Baker: $4.5 million won’t replicate itself for Baker. It’s also possible he receives the rest of this money while not on New York’s roster, due to the eventual roster-trim for Allonzo Trier’s contract. The third-year man has played in just 10 games this season.
- Emmanuel Mudiay: Mudiay has taken over at starting point guard, providing arguably the best stretch of his career, due to 46.8 percent shooting and 35.8 percent on three-pointers.
- Trey Burke: This season has provided positives and negatives for Burke, who found himself starting, at the end of the bench and back into the rotation. Averaging 12.0 points on 36.1 percent shooting from behind the arc, he should be able to find a job on someone’s bench next year.
- Noah Vonleh: Another revelation for the Knicks, Vonleh has settled in as a starter, providing a little bit of everything for a team that lacks players with the ability to contribute in multiple facets, including defense. He’s a candidate to play on the 2019-20 roster.
- Luke Kornet: Not much to say about Kornet, who has only played garbage minutes for Fizdale. He’s a candidate to hit waivers when Trier needs a contract.
The respective situations will change for each soon-to-be free agent. Which player has stood out the most for the New York Knicks?