1. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is the wild card of the New York Knicks free agency, yet the top player for them to target. Off a championship season with the Toronto Raptors, if they can land arguably the best two-way player in the NBA, the outlook changes drastically.
According to Yahoo’s Chris Haynes, the Knicks are working on setting up a meeting with Leonard once free agency starts. This may not be his top option, but if New York can at least sit him down, they have a chance.
Leonard’s options are both Los Angeles teams and returning to Toronto. While a select few teams, one offered a championship this past season and the other two could have title-winning rosters set up by the end of the summer.
The Knicks, however, do not have this, unless they sign a superstar to join Leonard. Barrett, Robinson, Knox, and Smith Jr. are not a contending formula and probably not enough to make the postseason.
This is a pipedream for New York. Leonard changes their organization with his arrival, but only if he thinks this option is superior to returning home or staying in a city that will cater to him for life. Manhattan is a location to market his brand. Basketball-wise, there is not much at the moment.