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NY Knicks CAA Files: Potential Free Agents Leon Rose might target

By Vivek Dadhania

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 09: Rodney Hood #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on from the bench during a game between the Miami Heat after tearing his achilles earlier in the season at Moda Center on February 09, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 09: Rodney Hood #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on from the bench during a game between the Miami Heat after tearing his achilles earlier in the season at Moda Center on February 09, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 02: Austin Rivers #25 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 02: Austin Rivers #25 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Potential Free agents with CAA connections: Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers receives the brunt of many jokes in the NBA. He was often clowned for being the son of Doc Rivers after receiving massive contracts while playing under his father. There were some on-the-record discussions from former teammates who didn’t like him while he was on the Los Angeles Clippers. To make things even worse, Rivers was a lottery pick that simply didn’t pan out as an above-average player or star in the league.

Rivers, on the other hand, seems at peace with his current role. He’s accepted the role of a reserve player. He’s the epitome of an average backup combo guard. Rivers can create for himself a little bit off the dribble. He’s also an adequate three-point shooter, and not the worst defender. Playing in the Western Conference has given Rivers enough experience to guard the quickest and most lethal guards in the league.

Rivers has a player option for the 2020-21 season. The option is worth $2.3 million, an option I’d think Rivers would naturally decline for a larger contract. The Houston Rockets are well above the salary cap max and nearing the luxury tax threshold, so there’s nearly no wiggle room to add salaries. The Rockets might not be able to afford him, but the team also needs his presence as a backup guard.

If Rivers decides to leave Houston, he’ll most likely covet a team with championship aspirations. However, it’s worth asking Rivers whether he’d be willing to accept a contract to be a veteran player. Sure, there are plenty of guards on the Knicks roster, but Rivers does have winning pedigree during his tenure with both the Clippers & Rockets. He could be a valuable add to New York’s locker room in helping the young players learn what it takes to become a winner.

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