3 Low-cost free agents the Knicks could target this summer

2. PF Trey Lyles

If the Knicks opt to shop and potentially trade Obi Toppin this offseason, they are going to be in the market for a new backup power forward. In this scenario, a possible cheap candidate for this position is Kings power forward Trey Lyles.

Lyles is by no means an exciting or explosive player like Toppin may be, however, what he is, is consistent. Alongside this, Lyles would provide some much-needed defense and three-point shooting at the position.

Through 68 games with Sacramento this season, Lyles is averaging 7.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while shooting 46.4% from the field and 36.7% from downtown on 3.2 attempts.

When compared to Toppin’s numbers of 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists on 41.8% shooting from the field and 32.7% from deep on 3.3 attempts while playing just 2.5 minutes a game less than Lyles, bringing him in would be a clear upgrade.

Toppin’s struggles may not entirely be his fault, however, the Knicks cannot continue to force him into a spot-up shooter role that he is not fit to play. Instead, they should trade Toppin to a team that will utilize him properly while allowing the team to benefit from his replacement with a player like Lyles.