Knicks Free Agency: 5 best centers available

4) Best free agent centers: Tristan Thompson

Former 4th overall pick Tristan Thompson hits the open market this offseason, coming off a five-year, $82 million with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Contract: As the Cavs consider re-signing Thompson, the Canadian big man is reportedly looking for an offer larger than what they are currently offering. It’s hard to believe the 29-year-old traditional big will find a suitor willing to pay him anywhere near what he was making last season. If Andre Drummond opts-in to his player option with Cleveland, the Cavs can find a cheaper alternative to Drummond for depth. They could also try to sign-and-trade their former lottery pick.

Game: Putting Tristan Thompson fourth on this list is more a product of the position than his actual value as a “top” free agent. He doesn’t offer anything particularly exciting for a team that doesn’t already have star power in their lineup. He doesn’t space the floor and struggles at the foul line. That said, he is a prolific rebounder who can provide balance as an interior scorer, and in the right role, he can be a productive basketball player.

Fit: The New York Knicks already have Canada well-represented on their roster with RJ Barrett. I would not expect them to pursue his fellow countryman on the free agent market. The Knicks need a lot of things, but a big man who doesn’t stretch the floor isn’t one of them.