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New York Knicks: Five early, potential ‘mid-tier’ targets in 2019 free agency

By Rob Wolkenbrod

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 05: Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors reacts during their NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on December 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 05: Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors reacts during their NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on December 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
New York Knicks Steve Mills (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

If the New York Knicks do not land a top name in free agency, who else can they target?

Since the 2018 offseason, the New York Knicks have been attached to the 2019 offseason, with some of the NBA’s biggest names hitting the open market. The front office cleared cap space in anticipation of this, including the waive and stretch of Joakim Noah, and the Courtney Lee trade rumors. 

However, per Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks do not view 2019 free agency as a “make-or-break” summer for signing a top name. They project to have about $29 million in cap space.

If New York follows through with this notion, it puts them in position for cheaper free agents to fill the roster — the “mid-tier” of the group.

Who are potential candidates to join the Knicks that fit this profile? Let’s take a look:

5. Eric Bledsoe

Eric Bledsoe is not an “outside the box,” potential free-agent target. The New York already like him, and with a need at point guard if Emmanuel Mudiay walks, this makes for an intriguing option to take over the main distributor spot.

Since becoming a starter in 2013-14, Bledsoe has developed into one of the NBA’s most consistent point guards, averaging between 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in each season, aside from 2018-19 which still had over half a season left.

Bledsoe also becomes one of New York’s top scorers instantly, pairing with Kristaps Porzingis. He’s a career 45.3 percent shooter and plays above a 33.8 three-point shooting percentage, which developed earlier in his career, with the Los Angeles Clippers.

It’s an interesting option for the Knicks at point guard, but he may also command a maximum contract. If so, along with hitting age 30 for the first year of this deal, it would be a risky acquisition for the front office to make.

Bledsoe also may consider himself within that top-tier group of free agents, with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard and others. If that’s the case, someone has to pony up a four-year, max deal. Would the Knicks eliminate most of their cap space for this?