New York Knicks: Five scenarios if no superstars sign in free agency

1. Continue the slow rebuild

Continuing a slow rebuild is reminiscent of just trying again in 2020, but the New York Knicks can take similar action to what they did in 2018, by offering cheap contracts to players needing a change of scenery.

However, the focus is on who remains, which is Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr., maybe Frank Ntilikina, Allonzo Trier, Damyean Dotson, the No. 3 pick, Dallas’ 2021 and 2023 first-round picks and New York’s own in between.

While the road will be longer to improve, the Knicks can continue a slow build towards the playoffs. That means letting Robinson and Knox work through growing pains as this roster’s figureheads; Smith stays as the point guard; Dotson and Trier receive the chance to grow as role players or spot starters.

The No. 3 pick, potentially RJ Barrett, can become the team’s leading scorer. Even Jarrett Culver. Whoever is the pick, he will have the space to thrive in 2019-20, although on a non-playoff team.

This could put the Knicks on track, with another lottery pick in 2020, for a postseason run down the road. It’s just not the superstar avenue long expected.

The slow rebuild will test fans’ patience, but it’s the logical step if the Knicks avoid shoving too much money to players in free agency and want to keep their assets in trade talks.