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

2. Paul Millsap (UFA)

At 34 years old, Paul Millsap is not at the All-Star level he once played with the Atlanta Hawks. Injuries limited him in 2017-18 and he plays under 30 minutes per game now. The peripheral numbers remain, however, and he still averages 12.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

Continued decline is inevitable, but Millsap still has something to offer to a contending team. Maybe that means one more multi-year deal, but for just two seasons, at a lower rate than $29.7 million.

The Denver Nuggets also have a team option on Millsap and can retain him for over $30 million. That can keep this team together but is a load for someone who might be the team’s fourth-best player.

Can Millsap receive half that in free agency? Something in the ballpark of $12-15 million, but it depends on how salaries play out amid a rising salary cap.

Either way, Millsap represents a veteran frontcourt upgrade for the New York Knicks. He can play away from the paint, which Mitchell Robinson mostly floats around offensively. A 106 defensive rating is still a fine number, too. Not what it was in Atlanta — around 100 — but enough to get the job done. If the Knicks can receive two more years of that, it makes him worthwhile.