New York Knicks: How top 2019 free agents have played in contract year

Kyrie Irving

Age: 26
Height, Weight: 6-foot-3, 193 pounds
Slash Line: .498/.419/.869
Season Averages: 23.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 2.6 3PM
Current Contract: $20.09 million ($21.32 million player option for 2019-20)

While the other free agents are intriguing, only one other player has been speculated to the New York Knicks as much as Kyrie Irving. He has New York ties, the comments on his impending free agency were cryptic or boisterous and nothing was done to cast doubt aside about his future with the Boston Celtics.

Even with Boston playing below expectations, Irving is in the midst of one of his best offensive seasons. That’s by shooting nearly 50 percent for 23.4 points, a career-high 7.0 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. These numbers may only improve as he continues into his prime.

Should Irving receiving a max salary in free agency, if it’s from the New York Knicks, there is risk. The Duke product has crossed the 60-game mark just three times in his eight-year career. It will happen for the fourth time once he plays four more games with Boston this season, but injuries have followed him since college.

It’s a concern over someone like Kemba Walker, who mostly remained healthy with Charlotte. Irving is two years younger, but how often will he actually see the floor with New York before another injury arises? This has recurred in 2018-19, and as he ages, it’s fair to assume something will arise, again.