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New York Knicks: The Case for Signing DeMar DeRozan in Free Agency

By Zachary Bachar

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2019 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 111-104. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2019 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 111-104. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Leon Rose, New York Knicks (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The Knicks have continued to exceed expectations this season as they are still in the mix for their first playoff berth in eight years. However, they’ve hit a rough patch lately that has exposed some of the team’s flaws.

New York is just 2-5 over their past seven games. This includes heartbreaking single-possession losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics.

The team has a clear weakness at point guard, where Elfrid Payton’s skillset is a poor fit alongside leading scorers Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. Payton’s inability to shoot often allows teams to play a zone defense, helping prevent Randle and Barrett’s drives into the paint.

The need for a new starting point guard is a clear one and loads of talented players are expected to be available. There are veteran All-Stars such as Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, and Mike Conley as well as young rising stars such as Lonzo Ball.

However, a role that’s less clear is the position of starting small forward.

Reggie Bullock currently fills that spot, but he is expected to hit unrestricted free agency. The 3&D wing has performed admirably this season and may very well be back in New York next year. However, he struggles to create his own shot and the Knicks have the cap space to make a big upgrade.

Could DeMar DeRozan be the missing piece for The Knicks?

After a quiet 2020 offseason, the Knicks are expected to have just over $50 million in cap space this summer, one of the highest numbers in the league. They have the money to bring in a high-quality starting point guard and an upgrade at small forward.

One potential fit is 4-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who is widely expected to leave the San Antonio Spurs in free agency and look for a new basketball home. New York should be that place. Here’s why.

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