Reacting to Hoops Habit’s 5 Knicks free agent targets

Reacting to Zach LaVine as a Knicks free agent target

Let’s reiterate something first that Simone makes clear in his article; of the five candidates, Zach LaVine is definitely the embodiment of a “dream” acquisition for the Knicks.

The only way we’ll likely be seeing LaVine with “New York” on his chest anytime soon is if it directly precedes waking up to dry drool stains on a pillowcase.

The Chicago Bulls, LaVine’s current employer, are the Eastern Conference’s third seed and are considered a contender. DeMar DeRozan is playing like an MVP for Chicago and has made magic with LaVine. Both played recently in the All-Star Game.

Simone notes that the Bulls are unlikely to let LaVine walk (assuming he’d want to leave at all), even with him certain to demand a max contract. However, that shouldn’t stop the Knicks from making an offer.

I agree that LaVine and RJ Barrett together would make for a “young” and “interesting wing combination.”

With the way he’s currently playing and considering how LaVine and Derozan have worked so well together as two dominant scorers, Barrett’s unselfishness and rising stardom could pair beautifully with LaVine.

The only question would be is a duo of LaVine and Barrett, potentially along with the unpredictable Julius Randle, a good enough situation for New York to be striving for?

LaVine’s incredibly talented, but I think he’s hit his ceiling, which is roughly a top 20-25 player in today’s NBA.

I agree that the Knicks should at least consider bringing in LaVine, but he alone won’t move the needle as much as the team wants.