The Knicks’ magical playoff run came to an end in part due to mounting injuries eating away at their depth. While they won’t have max cap space this summer, they could work their way into the mid-level exception for non-taxpayers and strengthen their rotation in free agency.
Here are the top 10 realistic free agent targets for the Knicks this offseason…
Tyus Jones
Despite languishing with the laughable Washington Wizards last season, Jones took advantage of the biggest opportunity of his career. His 12 points and 7.3 assists on 53.7 percent shooting from two and 41.4 percent from three would work wonders off the Knicks bench, and slide Miles McBride to the two places where he excelled.
Naji Marshall
If you had to build your ideal 2024 Tom Thibodeau If he signs, he would be a versatile two-way player entering his prime. The 26-year-old Marshall fits that bill after shooting 38.7 percent from three on both forwards for the Pelicans last season.
Royce O’Neale
O’Neale, another 3-and-D weapon who can man multiple positions, has been a rare bright spot for the Phoenix Suns and could serve as an additional connecting piece for the Knicks’ stars.
Kevon Looney
With New York in danger of losing members due to its fervent center rotation, Looney would be a natural replacement. He is a reliable rebounder, defender and playmaker on offense.
Kelly Oubre Jr.
The Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to make big changes this season, giving the Knicks a chance to pick up some of the talent that bothered them in the first round of the playoffs this year. Oubre is a dynamic playmaker and finisher who would give New York some needed depth on the wing.
Derrick Jones Jr.
The Dallas Mavericks’ X-Factor will be looking for a raise all season, and the Knicks could offer him one to bring his bouncy two-way game to New York. The Knicks could use his verticality and ability to play multiple positions off the bench.
Andre Drummond
Another pick to solidify the fifth spot is Drummond, a former top 10 pick who has bounced around between teams as he is past his prime. Yet over the past two seasons in Chicago with the Bulls, he averaged a ridiculous 18 rebounds per 36 minutes – production that would fit right in with the Knicks.
Kyle Anderson
It’s hard to go wrong with Anderson if the Knicks are looking for some backup talent in the frontcourt. Anderson may not be the most explosive player, but he impacts the game in several ways and should be a good culture and fit on the court.
Gary Harris
If the Knicks want a potential Quentin Grimes As a replacement, Harris has shot 39.4 percent from three for the Orlando Magic over the past three years and has shown flashes of his previous defense and finishing. This could be a smart bet for New York to add some wing depth off the bench.
Tobias Harris
Harris’ Sixers stint may not have ended well, but his production speaks for itself. He is a reliable player with 17 points and six rebounds, efficient in multiple areas and a willing defender; qualities that could be better served on the Knicks’ bench.
