NY Knicks: 2 players worth overpaying this offseason

NY Knicks free agent target No. 2) Lonzo Ball

Over the past several months, we’ve seen the likes of Lonzo Ball linked to the NY Knicks quite often, with many here at the site being under the impression that the team’s first-round series loss to the Atlanta Hawks was an eye-opener to the fact that New York needs to pursue the talented point guard.

Frankly, it’s hard to argue the logic as to why many fans are hoping to see the franchise ink the fourth-year baller to a deal this summer.

Coming off of a career year with the New Orleans Pelicans, Ball went on to post sound all-around averages of 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and just over a half-block per game on 41 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from deep.

With his drive to push the ball in transition, NY’s slow and lethargic offensive approach (ranked dead-last in pace this past season) would benefit from the up-tempo Ball running the show who can push the rock on the break to either find the open man or knock down shots on his own.

On top of this, he’s a sound defensive presence at the one (something the Knicks lacked in 2020-21) and simply, with his 6-6 frame and quickness, can excel on the less glamorous side of the ball which, as we all know, was already a strong-suite for the team (ranked 4th in Defensive Rating).

Though Ball’s a free agent, the “restricted” label finds itself attached to him, thus making the concept of signing him a bit more challenging as NOLA will have the right to match any offer the guard receives.

Because of this, the Knicks will either have to work out some sort of sign-and-trade to acquire him or, simply put, offer him a bit more money than the Pelicans would be willing to pay for him.

With this, unless they’re willing to part with any players in the process, should New York want him they’ll likely need to overpay for him.

In the long run, however, offering up a large sum of money could wind up working out for the franchise, as Ball is a special talent at a position of need who, aside from his sophomore season whilst playing amongst the LeBron James circus in La La Land, has only managed to improve.