New York Knicks: Five early, defensive-minded free agents to target

4. Thaddeus Young (UFA)

Thaddeus Young is already 12 years into his NBA career, but he provides consistent production at each destination, with around 14 points, six rebounds 1.5 steals and about half a block per game. He also shoots a career 50 percent from the field.

Young continues to succeed in a complementary role for the Indiana Pacers, even as Victor Oladipo sits with an injury. Contributing in a starting power forward role, the Pacers are a top-four team in the Eastern Conference.

A 105 defensive rating is part of Young’s unheralded value, with quality play at this end for most of his career in the frontcourt. Bring that veteran presence to the New York Knicks, and it upgrades who stands next to Mitchell Robinson.

Young has the classic power forward size, at 6-foot-8, but his game fits the current NBA mold. He shoots three-pointers and makes them 34.8 percent of the time with Indiana, and can double as a wing defender, given his size.

At age 30, Young can make another eight-figure contract. He took home $13.76 million in 2018-19, so could that increase? If so, and if with the Knicks, this might be a player to wait on until the superstar free-agent pool clears and provides salary cap clarity, whether or not a top name signs.