Who in the Northwest division could help improve the New York Knicks’ roster next season?
As the New York Knicks finally get back to work through voluntary team workouts, the front office has important decisions to make about how the roster will look for the 2020-21 season, whenever it does finally arrive.
There are several players on non-guaranteed contracts – Taj Gibson, Wayne Ellington, Elfrid Payton, Reggie Bullock – and team options (Bobby Portis, Theo Pinson) who could find new homes next year.
New York can create close to $45 million in cap space depending on which of their own veteran pieces they bring back. In summary, team president Leon Rose will have plenty of money to spend in a tight offseason market where most teams are either over the cap or will limit their spending due to shrinking revenues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
In previewing free agency, we are going through each division in the NBA to try to identify one potential target from each team for the Knicks to sign. Not every club has a suitable option, so sometimes we are forced to get creative, but reviewing each team’s roster provides an interesting look at the players who are available and could help the Knicks.
New York will use the upcoming draft to add as many as three rotation pieces to their roster. They have three picks within the first 38 selections. While the draft class does not have the greatest top-end talent, there should be players with potential available at each spot where the Knicks select.
Not every hole on the roster can be filled through the draft. The Knicks are in need of a point guard, a forward who can shoot, and an overall talent upgrade to help their young players develop in a competitive environment.
Let’s take a look at the free agent options from the NBA’s Northwest division.