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New York Knicks: 2019 NBA free agency grades for every contract

By Rob Wolkenbrod

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 7: Elfrid Payton #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 7, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 7: Elfrid Payton #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 7, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

PF/C. New York Knicks. TAJ GIBSON. B.

After bolstering the frontcourt with Randle, the New York Knicks snagged Taj Gibson for two years, $20 million, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The average annual value is $10 million, and the second season is a team option.

Presumed to play off the bench, Gibson is a veteran presence for this young frontcourt. Randle, Robinson and Knox are all 25 years old or younger, so this is someone with experience to help them develop, and from winning situations with the Chicago Bulls earlier this decade.

This deal takes Gibson through his age 34 and 35 seasons. His numbers have not tailed off yet, as he can deliver a steady 10 points and six rebounds per game off the bench, spelling Randle and Robinson at over 20 minutes, similar to this past season in Minnesota.

Gibson is the top defensive option off the bench, as well. He can fill in for Robinson’s foul trouble, when Randle is off for one night or in a late-game situation that New York needs a stop.

The dollar figure is somewhat high for this. The Knicks could have potentially signed Noah Vonleh for lesser money, and Gibson is on the wrong side of 30. Father Time catches up at some point, even on a short-term contract like this.

If Gibson declines in his age-34 season, the Knicks can move out of this or even ship him to a contending team that needs talent at the trade deadline. Some value exists, but the season needs to first unfold before that becomes a factor.