New York Knicks: 5 roster moves they must make this offseason

3. Decline Taj Gibson’s team option

35-year-old Taj Gibson started 56 of a possible 62 games that he played last season. He only averaged 6.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game. He was asked to play center for the first time in his career.

While he gave the Knicks a little veteran leadership, Gibson’s age and production do not fit with what the Knicks need to do. Nor does his $10 million team option. The Knicks need to use this space to get one or two veterans who can contribute more to their team.

To gain the most benefit out of next season, the Knicks need to see what they have truly got in their younger big men. They have Mitchell Robinson and Bobby Portis who can play the position and need to get the opportunity to show what they can do in more minutes.

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Not having Gibson in the lineup will allow players like Knox to take time at power forward where he can show a little more of his rookie season potential. On top of that, it will allow the eighth pick more time on the court.

The Knicks are not going to compete this season for the playoffs unless they make a massive trade or two. Like with Harkless, taking Gibson out of the equation removes the safety net and allows the coach and front office to see what they truly have in their younger players.