Leon Rose and the NY Knicks had a quiet but impactful free agency period
Before I truly had a chance to let the draft and all that transpired fully set in, here comes free agency.
As a regular fan, I couldn’t think of a more fun and exciting period of time, but as a Knicks content creator, this past week has been treacherous.
Shortly before free agency started, the news that Evan Fournier was signing to the Knicks leaked, and the fans went into a frenzy.
Evan Fournier and Knicks closing in on a 3-year, $54 million deal per @KnicksFanTv
— Daily Knicks (@DailyKnicksFS) August 2, 2021
Sorry that took 3 tries, I was just freaking out a little bit
The start of free agency was 6PM on Monday, and as the time came and went…still no Fournier signing.
But, the Knicks did bring back Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, and Derrick Rose!
I guess I’m so used to the Knicks having to make huge splashes that nothing else excites me, so bringing back a few old toys we’ve had for a year now didn’t do it for me.
Finally, the news broke about the Evan Fournier signing and the deal was a little bit more than originally anticipated but palatable.
Free agent Evan Fournier has agreed to a four-year deal that could be worth as much as $78M with the New York Knicks, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 3, 2021
The team got a player who improves the starting lineup’s playmaking and on-ball creation while keeping a tremendous 3-point shooter on the wing in place of the departing Reggie Bullock.
I gotta say, I was still a little disappointed because the team didn’t come away with a player at the one position the Knicks have had trouble filling for decades…a competent point guard.
Day 2 ended similarly to Day 1, as all that happened was Kendrick Nunn, a known target of New York’s decided to ring chase with Bron Bron instead of building a culture here in NYC.
He even turned down more money to do so…lame.
Then Day 3 came, and it finally happened…
Four-time All-Star guard Kemba Walker has agreed to a contract buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and upon clearing waivers, plans to sign with the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 4, 2021
The Knicks were bringing a hometown hero back to The Garden!
Even if the Knicks get just 75% of what Kemba Walker once was, he’d still be the best point guard they’ve had in over a decade.
The genius that is Leon Rose was on full display on this one, as there was legitimately ZERO noise regarding a Kemba buyout.
Knicks front offices of old would have traded for Kemba and his remaining $72 million contract.
Leon stood pat and waited until the 11th hour for the Thunder to do what they were likely going to do all along as a last resort move anyway.
Lastly, we brought our King back…
New York Knicks All-Star Julius Randle has agreed to a four-year, $117 million contract extension --- elevating his deal’s total value to five years and $140 million, his agents Aaron Mintz and Steven Heumann of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN: https://t.co/4q7EfERHsw
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 5, 2021
Julius got his bag a year earlier than expected, but with the Knicks’ future solely in mind.
The Knicks paid their guy while also remaining as flexible as possible for the future if and when a blockbuster trade presents itself to them.
Moral of this story, trust the process…trust Leon Rose…trust the Knicks’ front office and everyone in between.
These guys make things happen. We as fans are in great hands.