New York Knicks: Free agency was boring, but that’s a good thing
By Chip Murphy
The New York Knicks demonstrated draft-day intelligence
The front office was smart on draft day. They traded up — and then down again — to take Immanuel Quickley en route to acquiring a 2023 Clippers second round pick. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both have player options at the end of next season. The Clippers could stink in 2023.
Regardless of what you think of the Obi Toppin pick, the front office resisted the temptation of trading up for LaMelo Ball. The New York Knicks wanted Toppin, and they took a calculated risk that he’d fall to them at eight. The risk paid off.
Turning Ed Davis — who averaged 1.8 points per game last season — into three second round picks was a masterclass by salary cap guru Brock Aller. New York received former first-round picks Omari Spellman and Jacob Evans from the Timberwolves. According to The New York Post’s Marc Berman, the Knicks believe Spellman is a solid stretch four prospect despite his fitness issues.
The Alec Burks signing makes sense. He can shoot the three ball and create his shot off the dribble — two things New York needs desperately. Burks reminded me of Marcus Morris last season. You’re bringing Burks in with the hope you can flip him later. Golden State did it effectively last year.
Bringing back Elfrid Payton was the definition of meh. New York felt like they had no choice but to bring back their incumbent point guard after Fred VanVleet chose to stay in Toronto and D.J. Augustin chose the Milwaukee Bucks. You can debate the other options until you’re blue in the face, but if you think Jeff Teague was going to move the needle, then you haven’t watched Jeff Teague play recently.