New York Knicks: Predicting free agents that will re-sign, but way too early

Emmanuel Mudiay

Mudiay always seemed like a candidate to leave after the season. After two-plus poor seasons with the Denver Nuggets and an underwhelming 22-game stint with the New York Knicks in 2017-18, his stock was dangerously low.

Well, like Vonleh, Mudiay has shined in a make-or-break season for his career.

The Congo native has taken the point guard job to himself, matching the 14 games he started in 2017-18. Obviously, he will eclipse that number, barring Fizdale has a sudden change in thought.

With 11.8 points on a career-high 44.9 percent shooting and 34.8 percent on three-pointers, Mudiay has developed a shooting touch that never existed in Denver. Maybe it’s a short-term enhancement, but if this lasts through the season, it can do wonders for his future, but is that with the Knicks?

Per Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks still like Eric Bledsoe, who will become a free agent this summer. He’s among multiple point guards that will hit the open market, potentially as an upgrade over Mudiay.

Maybe the front office sees enough in the 22-year-old to re-sign him, and other options strikeout. It’s possible, especially with Bledsoe’s potentially expensive cost and someone like Irving staying with the Boston Celtics.

Mudiay’s cost will be interesting if he maintains this pace. If so, and if the Knicks can re-sign him on a short-term deal, it’s worth the gamble.

Prediction: Mudiay returns on a short-term deal