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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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Aug 24, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari (8) drives against Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) during the first half in game four of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Former Knicks who could return: Danilo Gallinari

At 32-years-old, Danilo Gallinari could just be looking to sign with a contender and try to win a championship as his career starts to reach it’s twilight. However, his strong ties with Leon Rose and the CAA make a return to his original team seem possible.

If he wants a lucrative short-term deal before taking discounts to chase after a ring, the Knicks have the cap space to get him paid.

Gallinari never lived up to the star potential many saw when he burst onto the scene in New York, with injuries almost always holding him back. Despite this, he has still become an above-average starter who has contributed to playoff teams over the past two seasons.

His most recent year with the Oklahoma City Thunder was absolutely terrific, putting up 18.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game on 44-41-89 shooting splits. His ability to space the floor has also helped his teammates improve too, with the rapid ascension of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being a prime example.

It’s easy to see how the addition of Gallinari would help the Knicks’ younger players, specifically RJ Barrett. If the team were able to bring in the Italian power forward, it isn’t hard to imagine Barrett having a similar sophomore leap that Gilgeous-Alexander did.

The interest of Danilo Gallinari wanting to return to New York is hard to gauge. If he decides that a reunion with his initial team is an option, Leon Rose should be pulling any strings that he can to make a deal happen.