Knicks: How Leon Rose can turn New York into a contender

NY Knicks, Leon Rose (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NY Knicks, Leon Rose (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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Aug 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives past Philadelphia 76ers forward Glenn Robinson III (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Year 3 Plan (2022-23 Season): Become a contender

Entering Year 3, expectations will be to win at least 50 games and make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs. In order to meet those expectations, Rose needs to have secured an All-Star to complement his homegrown core.

Below are some players the Knicks might target:

  1. Devin Booker (age 25) – trade, CAA client
  2. Karl-Anthony Towns (age 25) – trade, CAA client
  3. Bradley Beal (age 29) – free agent, player option
  4. Zack LaVine (age 27) – free agent
  5. James Harden (age 33) – free agent, player option
  6. Russell Westbrook (age 33) – free agent, player option

The New York Edge

The biggest advantage Rose will have is the Knicks’ financial muscle. Exceeding the salary cap in order to have a championship contender won’t be an issue. Aside from the Warriors and Clippers, the Knicks are the only other team with the financial resources to not be deterred by the luxury tax. Even the Lakers can’t compete with the Knicks when it comes to finances, as they are one of the last mom & pop shops left in the NBA.

While Rose didn’t sign a star player, he is the first team president to assemble an All-Star front office and coaching staff, something Knick fans have been clamoring for. So his relationships matter.

As for acquiring talent on the court… What looks abundantly clear is the best path to acquiring a star is via trade. Aside from Giannis, most of the other star free agents will be at the end of their primes. So one thing to watch carefully is Mitchell Robinson’s development. Two of Rose’s former star clients are centers he wouldn’t mind trading for, he just needs Robinson gives him a reason to.

Let’s hope Leon Rose is the leader that finally ends the Knicks’ playoff drought and brings stability to New York.