The New York Knicks won’t be big players in 2018 NBA free agency, but here are five potential targets this summer.
The New York Knicks‘ offseason got off to a great start in the 2018 NBA Draft. The Knicks had two selections and landed high-upside players with both picks. With the No. 9 overall pick, New York selected Kentucky forward, Kevin Knox. At No. 36, center Mitchell Robinson was selected.
Both players could have roles this season in what will be a rebuilding year for New York. They need development and the only way to get that is with playing time. Given the current state of the roster, there should be minutes available pretty much from the get-go.
Those draft picks are probably the biggest additions that the Knicks will make this offseason. They won’t be major players in free agency as they are basically capped out. Despite Kyle O’Quinn turning down his player option, Enes Kanter picked up his. Kanter opting out would have been the only move that would have opened up significant cap space for New York.
As a result, the Knicks will be operating without much wiggle room. They will have the $8.6 million mid-level exception and minimum contracts to hand out. That limits their targets in free agency, but the mid-level exception could represent a pay raise for some players.
Given where they are at in their rebuild, and Kristaps Porzingis’ ACL rehab, the playoffs are unlikely. As a result, the Knicks should be looking for high-upside players that have yet to live up to expectations or veterans to help bring along the young guys.
Luckily for New York, there are a number of those players available. Here are five players David Fizdale, Scott Perry and Steve Mills should consider this summer in free agency.