While the Knicks may not have much cap space and a core that will likely, for the most part, remain the same following the conclusion of the 2022-23 regular season, there are still certainly some free agents Leon Rose may want to target for one reason or another.
These players likely won’t play massive roles on the court, but adding them to the Knicks roster could add some much-needed depth and leadership. In addition to that, they will not cost much to bring in.
Even if the Knicks wanted to make some sort of “swing” at a bigger player in free agency, they could very well have the opportunity to do so thanks to the player option of Derrick Rose and the likelihood of an Evan Fournier trade.
3 Low-cost free agents the Knicks could benefit from signing in 2023 offseason
3. SG/SF Danny Green
Now, Danny Green is obviously WELL past his prime and is currently barely receiving any minutes. However, if he decides to stick around for next season, it may be in the Knicks’ best interest to try and bring him in.
This signing won’t be necessarily for what Green does on the court, but for the leadership he would bring as a two-time NBA champion. Alongside this, Green may not be as good as he once was, but he is not the worst player in the league and could provide some valuable shooting in the scenario of an injury that forces him to play.
Green would likely not cost much more than the veteran minimum, something the Knicks can easily afford. He would take Fournier’s SG spot in the reserves.
In Green’s last healthy season, he averaged 5.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 39.4% from the field and 38.0% from three on 4.4 attempts, playing an average of just 21.8 minutes each night,
This version of Green was nearly two years ago, so he likely won’t be much better. However, we don’t see why Green can’t play a role like he has been for both the Grizzlies and Cavaliers this season, but next year for the Knicks.
A reserve role where Green occasionally plays as a spot-up shooter off the bench when someone is hurt is one that would fit him incredibly well if he decides to not retire and stick around for another year or two.