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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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San Antonio Spurs Rudy Gay (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs Rudy Gay (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Rudy Gay

18 months ago, the San Antonio Spurs took a chance on Rudy Gay, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon with the Sacramento Kings in January 2017. He followed this with an inconsistent 2017-18 season — missing time with a heel injury and playing an unusual sixth-man role for 51 of the 57 games he appeared in.

Well, on a one-year deal with the Spurs for 2018-19, Gay has returned closer to his pre-injury form than ever. His 14.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 52.5 percent shooting and 45.1 percent on three-pointers sit near the top of the roster, increasing his value along the way.

Will this provide Gay one, last multi-year contract in free agency? He will play 2019-20 at age 33, but as seen with Andre Iguodala, that will not deter a team from offering a deal beyond one season for a player in his mid-30s. Trevor Ariza even claimed $15 million for one season.

For the New York Knicks, if they can sign Gay to a two-year deal for $26-to-30 million, it does not eliminate their cap space, while supplying a consistent, veteran scorer between the roster’s youth. He has proven to be efficient, as well, offering the team a reliable player to not take poor shots.

A short-term contract also bridges the gap for the Knicks’ development, rather than relying on just the young players to carry this team. It would not hurt to include a veteran presence, who sticks around as this unit takes the next step.