3 Free agents the Knicks should consider signing using their MLE

In an offseason full of potential to make improvements to the team, the New York Knicks have a chance to sign a valuable role player with the help of their mid-level exception. This upcoming season, it’s worth around $12.2 million, meaning that New York can go out and get a solid player on a one-year deal.

The Knicks have a lot of needs, most notably three-point shooting and shot creation. Adding a free agent with the MLE may not immediately solve these problems. However, fans do not doubt that it would go a long way in making the team perform at a much better level.

3 free agents the Knicks must consider using their MLE on this offseason

3. PF/SF Torrey Craig

With it seeming more likely than ever that Obi Toppin will be traded before the start of next season, the Knicks should consider bringing in a player like Torrey Craig to replace the 25-year-old. Obviously, Toppin has more upside than Craig, but it’s become increasingly clear that he won’t reach this upside in New York.

Regardless, Craig is not only a better player than Toppin right now, but he is a much better fit for what the Knicks are trying to achieve. The defense and three-point shooting he’d bring to the table would make for an instant improvement whether the Knicks decide to play him at the three or four.

In 79 games last season, Craig averaged 7.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 45.6% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc on 3.2 attempts. Alongside this, Craig is also a very versatile defensive player, something the Knicks could use off the bench alongside Josh Hart and Immanuel Quickley.

Craig, who is 32 years old, may be looking to secure a long-term deal. However, if he’s unable to find one, the Knicks should immediately hand him the MLE if he’s willing to accept it.