Knicks Rumors: NY looking for forward ‘who can knock down a shot’
The New York Knicks are looking for a forward who can shoot to add to their roster via free agency or the draft.
As New York Knicks president Leon Rose fills out his front office staff and gets comfortable in his new role, there are several areas where he could look to improve the roster in the near-term. According to Ian Begley of SNY, beyond looking for a lead guard, the team is also interested in finding a forward “who can knock down a shot.”
Begley does not suggest these following players are necessarily specific targets on the Knicks’ shopping list, but in aligning their interest in finding a forward who can shoot with players who could be attainable, he lists Danilo Gallinari, Carmelo Anthony and Christian Wood as potential options.
Gallinari, who was drafted sixth overall by the Knicks in 2008, has recently said that he is open to the idea of returning to New York.
Fans of Carmelo Anthony have been hoping his prior relationship with Rose – who was Anthony’s agent – could lead to a potential reunion. The Knicks were reportedly interested in bringing the scoring star back to New York had they landed two top free agents last summer.
Julius Randle’s future with the New York Knicks could be safe, for now.
The Knicks currently have Julius Randle signed through the 2021-22 season, and Begley notes in his report that their interest in adding another forward does not necessarily mean they are looking to move on from Randle.
That said, it’s unclear how Rose, and new front office hires Brock Aller, Walt Perrin, and Frank Zanin feel about the ball-dominant forward. Randle is owed $18.9 million next season, and has $4 million guaranteed of the final $19.8 million due to be paid in 2021-22.
Revenues impacted by the coronavirus pandemic will surely impact NBA free agency this offseason, which could change how teams value contracts on their books, and make it difficult to move a player like Randle. Although, demand for the forward is probably not very high, independent of the new economics.
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The remaining veteran forwards on the Knicks roster – i.e. Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson – are set to walk in the offseason as they are on non-guaranteed deals or club options not worth exercising. New York also has Ignas Brazdeikis who was buried in the G-League this season.