New York Knicks: Playing keep or discard with team options

Options to discard

It’s not fair to say that these players are responsible for New York’s bad 2019-20 season, but they sure haven’t helped a lot. These happen to be the three biggest contracts falling under the “team-option” category, meaning you’d expect them to be at least average-level players.

Starting with Bobby Portis, who signed a 2-yr/$30.75 million contract to join the Knicks last summer. The season ain’t over just yet, but unless Portis plays his mind out for the rest season, the Knicks have certainly not gotten their money’s worth.

The Knicks did not have superstar aspirations out of Portis, but for a 25-year old coming off his career year, you’d expect something more than 9.7 points per game while earning $15 million for his work.

Following him is Taj Gibson who was signed to be a mentor to Mitchell Robinson. Instead, Gibson got inserted in the starting lineup a few weeks into the season, meaning that Robinson’s playing time would be restricted.

Gibson is set to receive $10.29 million next season and one might fail to see the reason as to why he deserves to be paid that amount. Experienced players like Gibson should be monitored and signed by contending teams that could use an energy spark off the bench, not rebuilding teams with up-and-coming centers.

Last but…least, Wayne Ellington’s ride with the Knicks has not been a pleasant one to watch. The 11-season journeyman has been averaging 5.0 points per game, earning him the 358th spot in this category around the league. Is the 358th place worth his $8 million price tag? You be the judges of that.