New York Knicks: 3 veteran free agents to keep an eye on in the bubble
By Chip Murphy
The New York Knicks won’t be heading to the illustrious bubble in Orlando, but they should keep an eye on these three veteran free agents who will be there.
One year ago, former New York Knicks president Steve Mills was begging fans not to be mad at him for missing out on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But Mills’ replacement – Leon Rose – lacks that same level of sad desperation. The former super-agent is operating as a rookie executive during a pandemic but has still managed to inspire more confidence than Mills ever did.
With a critical free agency period on the horizon, Rose will need to live up to his reputation. Knicks fans are on Giannis Antetokounmpo watch for next year, but a few savvy moves this offseason could set the team up well for the next one, whenever that happens.
Just because the Knicks weren’t lucky enough to make the Disney trip, doesn’t mean they won’t be working. Even with the unique circumstances of this offseason, the Knicks will have more salary-cap room than most teams.
The Knicks will probably look at younger players like Fred Van Vleet or Davis Bertans on the off chance they sign anyone to a long-term contract, but I wanted to look at a few of the veteran free agents playing in Orlando.
It’s not going to be easy to sign these guys. The Knicks will have to overpay for some of them. With veterans, New York can try what the Philadelphia 76ers did with J.J. Redick in 2017 – a one-year deal with a considerable salary – or a customary one-plus-one contract.
When an NBA player is on the wrong side of 30 – as is each player on this list – they usually want to play for a contender. Sometimes older players just want the ball, but the guys I want to look at are all low usage, which means they won’t take touches away from New York’s young players.
Here’s a list of three vet free agents the Knicks should keep an eye on while they’re in the bubble.