The NY Knicks‘ priority for the offseason was to find a starting Point Guard.
And that they did.
After letting Elfrid Payton walk to sign with the Phoenix Suns, New York signed Four-Time All-Star and Bronx native Kemba Walker after he was bought out by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Walker signed a 2 year / $18mm contract with the Knicks after surrendering nearly 20mm from his original deal.
The UConn alum is coming off of a rocky stint with the Boston Celtics, where he only played 43 games last season due to knee problems.
Walker will be reunited in the backcourt with Evan Fournier, who Boston acquired at the trading deadline.
Did NY Knicks make the right move by not pursuing Collin Sexton?
The Knicks were a possibility for Fournier last season (as I wrote about) and now look wise for being patient for the Frenchman.
New York also retained Derrick Rose on a 3 year / $43mm contract.
After acquiring Rose from the Detroit Pistons, New York was 24-11 in games he played last season.
He turned the Knicks into contenders and ended up the #1 option when it came down to playoff time. However, like Walker, Rose’s durability will always be a question.
Before signing Walker and retaining Rose, Cavaliers Guard Collin Sexton appeared to be a trade target for New York.
Cleveland was shopping the 22-year-old amidst concerns he doesn’t fit with Darius Garland.
Cleveland selected Sexton number eight in the 2018 draft, one pick ahead of Kevin Knox.
Sexton at one point looked like he was at the heart of Cleveland’s rebuild, and despite averaging 24.3 PPG last season, the NY Post reported that one scout viewed Sexton more suited for a sixth man role – not a team’s primary ball-handler.
Sexton’s eligibility for a contract extension this October spurred Cleveland’s trade talks. But despite his potential, here’s why the Knicks were smart to pass on him.