4 offseason nightmare scenarios Knicks fans want front office to avoid

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 06: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks looks on during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on April 06, 2022 in New York City. The Nets won 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 06: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks looks on during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on April 06, 2022 in New York City. The Nets won 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks
New York Knicks. (Photo by Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports)

3: Overpaying a veteran via trade or free agency

The Knicks made a flurry of offseason signings last summer that were later revealed to be busts, such as Nerlens Noel and Kemba Walker.

New York re-signed Noel to a three-year, $32 million deal and he played in a total of 25 games this past season due to a lingering injury.

Walker was claimed off waivers by his hometown team and signed a two-year, $17.9 million contract. In what was supposed to be an epic return to Madison Square Garden, the point guard was removed from the rotation and eventually stepped away from the Knicks at the end of February.

What should the New York Knicks do when free agency begins in July?

Both of those situations were unforeseen, but knowing what the front office does now, pursuing similar caliber players shouldn’t be a priority during the offseason (that includes Carmelo Anthony).

The Knicks need to stay far away from the path that they went down last summer and instead trade a few of the players who were acquired an offseason ago. Armed with its first-round draft selection and two second-round picks, New York already has the pieces that it needs to build on.

The only “splash” that the Knicks need to think about making in free agency is signing a possible Mitchell Robinson replacement and pursuing a point guard such as Jalen Brunson.