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NY Knicks: 1 free agent target on every Southwest division team

By Jeffrey Bellone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Bryn Forbes #11 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2019 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 111-104. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Bryn Forbes #11 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2019 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 111-104. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 02: Austin Rivers #25 of the Houston Rockets in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Potential Knicks free agent targets: Austin Rivers, Houston Rockets

As several players are expected to skip free agency and exercise their player options this offseason due to the financial crunch created by the coronavirus pandemic, Austin Rivers is one player who should hit the open market.

The recently turned 28-year-old guard is due only $2.4 million from Houston next season. As a player with nine years of experience, that is roughly the minimum salary amount.

Rivers has proven to be a valuable player off the bench for coach Mike D’Antoni. Appearing in 63 games (59 off the bench), he has averaged a respectable 8.4 points while shooting 42.2% from the floor, including 35.7% from downtown. His perimeter shooting bolstered by improved accuracy from corner threes.

The son of former Knick Doc Rivers could be a good fit off the bench as an added scorer, especially if the team moves on from Dennis Smith Jr.

New York could be in desparate need of perimeter shooting in the backcourt if they end up selecting LaMelo Ball in the upcoming draft. With Ball, Barrett, and Ntilikina, they wouldn’t have an attractive guard option who can sit in the corner and knock down a three.

Rivers doesn’t solve the Knicks point guard problems, but he gives them depth behind whoever they identify in the draft or free agency to take on the lead ball-handling duties.

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