New York Knicks: 5 reasons to be excited for 2019-20 NBA season

A summer that started with disappointment for the New York Knicks, has slowly turned into one which brings renewed optimism for the franchise’s future.

Two swings for the fences, two misses — that is the easiest way to sum up the early stages of the off-season for the New York Knicks. Their plan A, B, and C all revolved around the addition of either Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant, with their dream scenario being acquiring both of them.

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Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. What followed was a series of calculated (and misunderstood) moves to improve a roster that only won 17 games last season.

Making seven new additions in free agency, the Knicks look more competitive out of the gate while retaining future flexibility to chase star free agents in the not too distant future. Those new additions are:

• Julius Randle
  • Three-year, $63 million contract, $4 million guaranteed in the third year.
• Taj Gibson
  • Two-year, $20 million contract, $1 million guaranteed the second year.
• Bobby Portis
  • Two-year, $31 million contract with a team option for the second year.
• Reggie Bullock
  • Two-year, $21 million contract, $1 million guaranteed the second year.
• Wayne Ellington
  • Two-year, $21 million contract, $1 million guaranteed the second year.
• Elfrid Payton
  • Two-year, $18 million contract, $1 million guaranteed the second year.
• Marcus Morris
  • One-year, $15 million contract

All solid additions to the roster, but more importantly the team is able to shed salary at the end of the upcoming season should they decide to chase a free agent or continue to keep an eye on the free agency class of 2020.

Having five of their six new signings with mostly non-guaranteed money in the final year of their deals provides the front office with room to maneuver should they see fit.

Add these additions to their latest draft pick in RJ Barrett and this team becomes an exciting prospect, it almost seems like there is an actual plan in place. The excitement doesn’t just stop at Barrett though, it extends throughout the roster.