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NY Knicks: 4 former players who could return in free agency

By Zachary Bachar

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 01: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands on the court during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 01, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 01: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands on the court during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 01, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Jan 20, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Justin Holiday (8) warms up prior to a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Former Knicks who could return: Justin Holiday

The older brother of former All-Star Jrue Holiday, Justin came to the Knicks in 2017 as a throw-in of the Derrick Rose trade. Holiday became a solid role player in his lone season in New York, averaging 7.7 points per game on 43-36-83 shooting splits.

The front office changed at the end of the season, and they decided that they could find a replacement for Holiday elsewhere.

He bounced around the league for a little while before making his resurgence with the Indiana Pacers last season, putting up 8.3 points per game and shooting 40.5 percent from three. He has always been an exceptional defender, with great durability, suiting up in 309 of a possible 319 games over the past four seasons.

After playing for four different teams over his first three seasons, Holiday was able to find his niche as a Knick. The 31-year old free agent might have a soft spot for the team that helped his NBA career get back on track.

While he probably won’t alter the course of the entire franchise, sweet-shooting veteran role players are always a welcome addition to a young team. Holiday can make an impact on a game without having the ball in his hands, a crucial attribute for a team often criticized for the lack of touches that RJ Barrett received as a rookie.

The Knicks are desperately looking for more 3&D players, and they reportedly have Holiday on their radar. A return to New York may very well be beneficial for both sides.