Did the Knicks dodge a bullet during the 2019 offseason?

The 2019 offseason was headlined by various All-Star players such as Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Kyrie Irving free to sign wherever they desired. It was one of the most loaded free-agent classes the league had seen in years and the New York Knicks were looking to capitalize.

Leading up to this point, there were rumors all year that Irving and KD were looking to team up at MSG. This led the Knicks to trade young star Kristaps Porzingis to create the cap space to sign the duo.

But as usual, New York struck out yet again, with Durant and Irving choosing to sign with the Nets in 2019, making Brooklyn instant contenders for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

The Nets were even the preseason title favorites, set at +225. But after a few underwhelming years in Brooklyn and poor performances in the playoffs by both their stars this past season, Knicks fans are beginning to question:

Did the Knicks dodge a bullet with KD and Kyrie opting to sign elsewhere?

The Nets seemed to be winners at the time, primed for a title with their star power. But that is not the case now. Three years removed from signing Durant and Irving, Brooklyn still has nothing to show for their time there and hasn’t made a deep playoff run despite boasting lots of talent on its roster.

Obviously, the Nets duo are game-changers when healthy. But when injuries come into play, as well as various transactions such as trading for former MVP James Harden and then shipping him out for disgruntled star Ben Simmons, Brooklyn’s been left with more questions than answers.

The Knicks didn’t get the outhaul they were expecting back in 2019, missing out on the No. 1 pick in the draft Zion Williamson, as well as free agency blunders, but not all hope was lost.

And while New York hasn’t made the most progress, the team’s focused on rebuilding their roster the right way. The Knicks finally have a budding star in RJ Barrett, along with plenty of other youth to go around.

Barrett may have spent his first two years playing second fiddle to Julius Randle, but the No. 3 overall pick of the 2019 draft finally has the keys to the offense, breaking out late into his third season.

There are questions left to be answered regarding Randle’s future with the team. However, he remains a valuable asset going forward.

Last year, Randle was one of four players to average 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, joining the likes of All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Domantas Sabonis, Russell Westbrook, and Nikola Jokić, showing how valuable he is as a player despite uncertainty from the New York fanbase.

Randle will always look to make a difference, bullying opponents for position on the inside while being a valuable playmaker (when under control) and a reliable rebounder.

2019 Offseason Final Grades:

Here is the Knicks’ outhaul from the 2019 offseason, as it stands today:

R.J. Barrett (selected No.3 overall in the 2019 draft, still with the team)

Julius Randle (All-Star in 2021, still with the team) 

Bobby Portis (left in 2020)

Taj Gibson (still with the team)

Wayne Ellington (waived in 2020)

Elfrid Payton (key starter during successful 2020-21 campaign, Knicks elected not to re-sign)

Marcus Morris (traded to Clippers for Maurice Harkless and a first-rounder that turned into Immanuel Quickley)

Reggie Bullock (key starter during 2020-21 campaign, left for Mavericks)

While a majority of these signees are no longer with New York, each player played a role in the Knicks’ identity as a team as they continue their rebuild.

It is disappointing to see these players walk in free agency as opposed to trading them, but you can’t be mad since they gave us fans some memorable moments during their short-lived time in the Big Apple.

Not to mention that the Morris trade gave New York a young star in Quickley, who will be a part of the organization’s plans for years to come.

But the biggest takeaway from the 2019 offseason? Randle and Barrett. While the two didn’t exactly mesh on the court together this season, they remain to be the team’s two biggest assets, putting up good numbers for the Knicks all year.

While New York did miss out on Irving and Durant, their time in Brooklyn has not fared as well as they would have hoped. And with Irving set to become a free agent once again this offseason amid all the turmoil, this experiment in Brooklyn may come to an end sooner than we think.

The best word to describe the Knicks at this point would be flexibility. While New York didn’t play particularly well this season (and overall since 2019), the team possesses movable contracts and has followed that mantra since reshaping their front office.

Leon Rose and company will have options to look over in the offseason should the right opportunity come their way, with Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson emerging as top targets as the Knicks lack solid guard play.

New York’s a couple of moves away from being back in the playoffs with this young team slowly coming together.

Final Grade: A-

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