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

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

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) /

4 of 5

Los Angeles Lakers Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht/Digital First Media/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images) /

2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is in the midst of his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and it’s no guarantee he lasts the rest of this campaign there, per Marc Stein of the New York Times. Either way, he will hit free agency in July.

As the NBA becomes positionless, players like Caldwell-Pope increase in value. He’s 6-foot-5, shoots well from long distance and plays quality defense. It shifts him into a slightly smaller version of the “wing” player teams covet, and that can make the New York Knicks an option for him in free agency.

The Knicks have a defensive need at almost any spot on the court. Frank Ntilikina and Mitchell Robinson possess defensive acumen, and Kristaps Porzingis holds his own when healthy. Otherwise, the team does not have long-term pieces that perform adequately at the opposite side of 94 feet.

Caldwell-Pope can step into the starting lineup, potentially between Kevin Knox and Tim Hardaway Jr., if head coach David Fizdale wants a small-ball lineup. If not, could Hardaway Jr.’s lose his starter’s spot in this scenario?

Each of the past two seasons, Caldwell-Pope has taken one-year deals. At age 26 for this next contract, could he try to cash-in on a two-year salary that takes him to free agency at age 28? If so, it’s a short-term situation that won’t destroy New York’s future cap flexibility.