Amid an incredible season, the Knicks have had a few disappointing players of which they could potentially move on from in the offseason. While the Knicks’ current roster may not be drastically different in the 2023-24 season, I think I speak for most fans when I say there are definitely some improvements that could (and should) be made.
These players may have served the Knicks well at one point, however, their disappointing play makes it easy to want to move on from them heading into the offseason.
Whether it be because of poor play, bad contracts, or the potential to improve at their position, these three players are more likely than others to not return for the upcoming season. It may be unfortunate, but for the sake of improvement, these moves almost have to happen.
3 players the Knicks should consider moving on from before 2023-24
3. Evan Fournier
Oddly enough, Evan Fournier was not traded at this year’s deadline. This is more likely than not because the Knicks would have had to add a first-round pick or more to whatever deal they had in place for him due to his contract.
However, heading into the offseason, Fournier will have just one more guaranteed season and then a club option, meaning it will be much easier for a team to want to take on his contract. While New York may still need to throw an asset alongside Fournier in a deal, it likely won’t be as hefty as a first-round pick.
Fournier has appeared in just 23 games this season, and in these matchups, he has averaged 6.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 35.1% from the field and 32.4% from three on 4.4 attempts. In addition to this, Fournier is a complete liability on defense, so it’s not surprising to see him barely receive minutes this season.
While getting rid of Fournier wouldn’t be the end of the world considering they could just decline his option and move on from him at the end of next season, it would be better to potentially get an asset out of him or maybe even use his contract as cap filler in a bigger trade.
There simply isn’t a genuine reason to keep Fournier around next season. Not only is he just not good at basketball anymore, but he isn’t a good enough leader to justify keeping him as a locker room presence.