Daily Knicks
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3 Shooters Knicks could poach from division rivals in free agency

By Jordanna Clark

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 22: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors guards Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 22, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 22: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors guards Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 22, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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In the New York Knicks’ playoff push that ended in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, it was made blatantly evident that the team needs to add shooters in the offseason, whether that be via trade or in free agency. The Knicks shot a whopping 292.% from three in the postseason, a percentage that fans were ashamed of.

Because the NBA offseason hasn’t officially begun, it’s still challenging to try to decipher what direction the Knicks will go in this summer. The front office has been patiently waiting for the right disgruntled star to trade for, but it’s still unknown what star that will be.

Looking ahead to free agency, though, the front office should already have a list of players that could be a good fit in New York. That list could include a few players from the Knicks’ Atlantic Division rivals.

3 Atlantic Division free agents the Knicks could steal from their rivals

3: Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet has a $22.8 million player option for the 2023-24 season that he could opt out of to become an unrestricted free agent. The 29-year-old has spent all of his seven seasons with the Raptors and played a key role in their 2019 title, but he could be leaving Canada this summer.

VanVleet averaged 19.3 points in 2022-23 and shot 39.3% from the field and a career-low 34.2% from three, which is concerning. He isn’t a player that the Knicks should prioritize in free agency by any means, but he is a career 37.3% three-point shooter.

Given New York’s obvious need, the front office might be considering what signing VanVleet would cost. If there’s another team out there, like the Rockets that have the cap space, that wants to overpay VanVleet, the Knicks shouldn’t stand in their way. He’s given his all to Toronto, but in recent seasons, his scoring has taken a dip.

There’s also VanVleet’s injury history. That and his shooting inconsistencies will have to be taken into consideration by any interested teams if he does opt out of his player option. While he’d be a player that could help the Knicks’ shooting woes, it might be best for New York to sit back and let another team sign Fred VanVleet if that’s what it comes down to.