ny knicks

The New York Knicks can execute a few different approaches during free agency. Either, they can target a high priced free agent that takes up the majority of their available funds, or they can spread the money around to hit different positions and bolster the roster as a whole. Being more balanced could end up having a greater impact than overspending on one elite player like Chris Paul, for example.

When considering the rumors that have bubble to the surface the past few weeks, a good portion of the players aren’t expected to make high and money in the future. Aside from Paul and the obvious Damian Lillard trade discussions, the Knicks have been connected to a variety of players who would help balance out the roster with specific talents to mask deficiencies.

Bringing in some experienced players mixed with youth should be a priority, as they can target a long-term impact rather than a short term situation that could end up blowing up in their faces at a high price.

Knicks mock free agency ($50 million available):

1.) Derrick Rose: 2-years, $24 million

One of the Knicks’ best players this past season was Derrick Rose, who they acquired from the Detroit Pistons at the trade deadline. Over 35 games in New York, Rose averaged 15 points, 4.2 assists, and shot a career-high 41% from downtown. He was one of the major reasons they finished as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Considering how well Rose played and his influence on the rookies, he has proved his durability and deserves another contract. The Knicks reward him for his efforts last year in this scenario, electing to draft a high profile point guard to develop behind the veteran and help mitigate fatigue.

2.) Kelly Oubre Jr.: 3-years, $51 million

New York has been connected to Golden State Warriors’ small forward Kelly Oubre the past few weeks, who offers a decent 3-and-D option. As a left-handed shooter, Oubre is a solid defender who is also capable of connecting on three-point shots effectively. While he started off the 2020-21 season poorly in the category, which significantly hampered his statisticual output, he can hit over 35% of his shots from range averaging over five attempts per game.

This past season, he averaged 15.4 points and six total rebounds, indicating he can produce with adequate minutes, and pairing him with head coach Tom Thibodeau should allow him to realize his potential – especailly on defense.

3.) Jarrett Allen: 2-years, $25 million

The Knicks could use another big body behind Mitchell Robinson, especially with Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson hitting free agency. Allen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers this past year, and depending on who they draft, they could pass on his qualifying offer.

One of the Knicks’ biggest weakness is this past season was physicality in the paint during the playoffs. Allen is a 6’11”, 243 pound center, who also averaged double digit points per game. With Robinson dealing with injuries last season and on the last year of his rookie deal, having Allen as a long-term solution would create a sense of comfort at a position that could need an injection of talent sooner rather than later.

4.) Alec Burks: 2-years, $16 million

One off the Knicks’ most valuable and consistent players this year was Alec Burks, who represented instant offense off the bench. The former first round pick averaged nearly 13 points, 2.2 assists, and shot 41% from downtown. His veteran experience and ability to play forward and guard makes him a valuable utility piece off the bench. He supplements injuries well and represented one of the more clutch players in the fourth quarter for a team that struggled closing out games at times.

Bringing back Burks would be a positive move, and keep a bit of chemistry and familiarity with Thibodeau system.

With draft capital and youth to spare, the Knicks could look to execute a blockbuster trade this off-season, but there are a few players on the roster that should be deemed “untouchable.”

While adding superstar talent is always a benefit, tearing up the foundation of a roster can sometimes lead to failure, and as we’ve seen in the past it can also be malpractice. Building around the quality the Knicks already have should be a priority, and with $50+ million in free agency and an attractive destination for players, New York doesn’t have to execute a massive deal to improve the team.

Three untouchable players for the Knicks:

Julius Randle:

If not for Julius Randle, New York wouldn’t even be considered a destination for big name free agents. Pairing him with an elite point guard should help the team tremendously, but if you remember the difficulty of luring quality to The Garden prior to Randle’s big 2020 season, you also likely remember the struggles the team faced in the process.

If the Knicks commit to Randle and remain loyal, they will likely be rewarded with interest from other players. In addition, Randle’s impact this past year was astronomical, averaging 24.1 points, 6.0 assists, 10.2 rebounds, and shot .411 from range, all career highs. He had one of the best seasons in NYK history, which means a thing or two. His presence alone is an attraction, making him in untouchable.

RJ Barrett:

One of the Knicks’ brightest young players is RJ Barrett, and trading him away at 21 years old would absolutely constitute as malpractice. He saw a significant development last year in multiple categories, including points, field-goal percentage, and three-point percentage. He elevated his three point shot to over 40%, and connected on .746 of his free throws, a 13% increase.

Barrett seems to have star potential, and trading that away for a player who will likely be on a contract for no more than four years would be mind boggling.

Immanual Quickley:

Another player the Knicks should take off their list of potential trade pieces is Immanuel Quickley, who displayed flashes of brilliance last year in his rookie season. At 22 years old, Quickley averaged 11.4 points and shot nearly 39% from downtown. He also hit on nearly 90% of his free throws, indicating potential elite scoring prowess as a shooter. Quickley worked on his floater all season long, taking essential tips from Derrick Rose. His growth could lead to serious point production for New York, and trading him away will disable them from ever realizing his true potential, which could be lavish.

Knicks hold internal talks on pursuing Chris Paul in free agency if opt-out:

Recent reports have indicated that the Knicks have had internal discussions surrounding the possibility of signing Chris Paul, according to Ian Bagley of SNY. Paul is expected to decline his $44.4 million player option, but the Phoenix Suns could offer him a multi year deal.

If he declines, the Knicks could enter the fold and compete for his services, but they would likely have to overpay to draw him to the East Coast. The Knicks have the money, and after Paul’s recent display during the postseason, he’s going to be worth every penny.

If there is any singular position the New York Knicks need to solve this off-season, it is point guard. With Derrick Rose and Elfrid Payton preparing to hit the open market, there’s no guarantee the Knicks will retain either, so they could be looking outward for an answer. While bringing back Rose would have its benefits, considering he has experience with Tom Thibodeau and played well during the 2020-21 season, the team may target an option like Chris Paul if he elects to leave Phoenix.

The organization did sign Argentinian PG Luca Vildoza to a four-year deal, so they anticipate a productive player next season they can use to back up a star like Paul or Damian Lillard. Alternatively, they can use the draft to inject a young player with upside as a second option for a free agent acquisition.

Let’s take a look at a scenario for the Knicks, seeing them land a solid PG with potential and a front-court defender to help ease the burden of Mitchell Robinson.

New York Knicks Mock Draft:

19th overall: Tre Mann

Instead of pairing together their first-round selections and moving up as high as possible, the Knicks stay put in this scenario, selecting Tre Mann out of Florida. The 6’5”, 190-pound point guard has undeniable scoring prowess, focusing on creating shots for his teammates and himself. He averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, and shot 40.2% from downtown last season, offering clear offensive production at a position the Knicks have a clear-cut deficiency.

The problem with Mann is that he is not a quality defender, playing with short arms and a lack of physicality. However, with Thibodeau as his coach, Mann can easily improve in that category, it will just take time. He has the potential to be a star at the NBA level, and it all depends on his coaching and how quickly you can ease in and adapt to the league.

21st overall: Isaiah Jackson

With the 21st overall pick, the Knicks need to add a bit more physicality to their frontcourt, and Isaiah Jackson out of Kentucky fits the bill nicely. At 6’10” and 205 pounds, Jackson is a superior athlete with a 7’0” wingspan. He is one of the best shot blockers in the entire draft, averaging 2.6 blocks and .8 steals per game as a freshman. Some compare him to Brooklyn Nets’ center Nicolas Claxton, who saw a tremendous improvement this past year.

There’s a lot to like about Jackson, given his athleticism and speed to cover plenty of ground on the defensive side of the ball. He could stand to use a bit more mass, but his agility allows him to cover multiple positions, including power forward and center.

Considering the fact this is a late first-round selection, there’s no doubt that Jackson comes with weaknesses. Still, as a developmental player with high upside, he represents a solution for the Knicks, who need more strength and physicality in the frontcourt.

32nd overall traded for a 2022 1st round pick

The Knicks simply can’t host three more rookies this upcoming season, especially with plenty of funds to allocate in free agency. Trading their second-round pick away for a 1st rounder next year would give them a bit more time and capital to work with.

What do you think of this mock draft? Comment below!