New York Knicks: Ranking the top 2019 free agents targets

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 10: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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4. DeMarcus Cousins

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the New York Knicks will consider making DeMarcus Cousins a substantial, one-year offer if they miss on free agency’s biggest names. That is perhaps the riskiest route for this team to travel, but with a potentially incredible reward on the other side.

Cousins was once one of the NBA’s most feared big men in Sacramento and New Orleans, dominating the low post and eventually stretching his game behind the arc. It made him a super power forward and a dynamic center, especially with the passing ability out of the post.

Then came the career-altering Achilles injury, removing Cousins from the court for 11 months. Follow that with a torn quadriceps just two games into the NBA playoffs, and this became a bigger risk for anyone to take.

For just one season, Cousins can work out in New York; maybe not the player to lead the Knicks to the postseason at this stage, but he takes them out of the Eastern Conference’s cellar. Add a contract option for a second season, and more pieces can join around him.

If it does not work, both sides can part ways, and this organization moves on with their cap space intact for the 2020 offseason.