New York Knicks free agency preview: Big moves to watch for
By Chip Murphy
The New York Knicks need high-upside guys
A potential trade for Minnesota Timberwolves RFA Malik Beasley came out of nowhere on Thursday night. According to Yahoo’s Vince Goodwill, Minnesota has made Beasley available in trade talks and the Knicks are interested. It seems unlikely that Minnesota would trade him after just 14 games. Especially when he outperformed expectations the way he did following the trade from Denver.
But it’s possible that Beasley wants out. According to Dane Moore, Beasley “wants to play on a coast.” Beasley wants to get paid first and foremost, but he wants to play in New York or Los Angeles. Beasley is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports. They likely want their client in a major market.
Beasley, 23, looked like a rising star — averaging 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 3-pointers made on a .472/.426/.750 — before the shutdown. This was Beasley’s first opportunity to play starter minutes but perhaps he’d prefer to do it with the Knicks. Rose should at least explore the option.
The Bulls declined to extend a qualifying offer to Kris Dunn, 26, making one of the league’s better young defenders available. But Frank Ntilikina shot better than Dunn from 3-point range last season. Just in case you’re wondering why Chicago would let a good defender go.
I’ve already written at length about how strongly I feel about the Knicks signing Wesley Iwundu, Dwayne Bacon, and Harry Giles. Rose needs to take a look at both guys.
Lonzo Ball became a trade option for a number of teams following the New Orleans Pelicans drafting Kira Lewis Jr. Ball had a brutal performance in the bubble — particularly shooting the ball.
The Athletic’s David Aldridge reported Lonzo appeared to have checked out. ESPN’s Jay Williams stated that he heard Lonzo could be used as a trade asset.
The Knicks made no secret of how much they liked his brother LaMelo. Lonzo is a superior shooter and defender. He can slide in right now as New York’s starting point guard and run their offense. Before we get too excited, it’s worth noting that new Pels head coach Stan Van Gundy praised Lonzo in his introductory presser.