New York Knicks: 3 Offseason needs exposed by the Hawks series

New York Knicks: Team still needs “superstar” talent

Ultimately, the New York Knicks aren’t going anywhere in the postseason until they attain at least one superstar through a trade or free agency. We’ve been saying it for twenty years, and it’s almost never happened save for STAT and Melo for like 2 years.

The good news is that Thibs and Leon Rose have made the Knicks as attractive a destination as they have been this century. The bad news is that the free agency pool over the next two off-seasons appears very limited in terms of top-flight talent.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was expected to be the big prize this off-season, but he signed a long-term extension with the Bucks in December.

The overall 2021 free agent pool is weak outside of Kawhi Leonard, and he could very well return to the Clippers or sign with Miami.

The 2022 pool is also disappointing. The Nets’ Big 3 have player options then, but it is hard to imagine Durant, Irving, and/or Harden signing with the Knicks if they choose to leave Brooklyn. Steph Curry will be unrestricted, but he is not leaving Golden State. Luka Doncic and Trae Young will be restricted free agents, which functionally means they will remain with their teams as well.

It seems that the New York Knicks will have to make a trade over the next couple of seasons if they are going to land a superstar. Luckily, New York has the assets to make a deal happen, especially this year. The Knicks could put a compelling package together consisting of some of their 2021 and 2023 first round picks, as well as young talent like Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, or Obi Toppin if the price is right.

If the recent rumors are to be believed, the Knicks might be preparing such a package for Damian Lillard. The price will be steep, but it may be the only way the franchise can bolster itself into the upper echelon of the league.