New York Knicks: 4 free agents to avoid this offseason

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Sep 7, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; LA Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (right) celebrates with guard Patrick Beverley (21) after defeating the Denver Nuggets in game three of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Free agents for the Knicks to avoid: Montrezl Harrell

The Clippers big man just wrapped up an impressive campaign, averaging career highs in points and rebounds which culminated in the 2020 Sixth Man of the Year award. Montrezl Harrell is going to have a lot of suitors, but the Knicks shouldn’t necessarily be one of them.

The first red flag is his performance in the Orlando bubble. Harrell arrived late due to an urgent family matter and he looked like a shell of his old self once he stepped on the floor. In the playoffs, he averaged a measly 10.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. The Clippers were also outscored by 68 points while Harrell was on the court.

Another big issue is Harrell’s lack of shooting. Assuming no trades are made, at least one of Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson is going to be starting in the frontcourt next year. Adding Harrell to the mix would completely annihilate any hope for proper spacing, leading to the same problems from 2019.

Spacing isn’t just important for Barrett, as Julius Randle often performs at his best when posting up defenders inside the paint. More shooting would also help Mitchell Robinson find increased room to go up for lobs and putback dunks.

If the Knicks were to spend big this offseason, it would be much better to add a player who can spread the floor in the form of someone like Davis Bertans or Fred VanVleet. Bringing in Harrell doesn’t truly solve any of the Knicks’ core issues.