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New York Knicks: 3 impending free agents likeliest to return next season

By Dalton Sell

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: New York Knicks' Derrick Rose, left, fouls Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young (11) as he drives to the basket during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series on May 23, 2021 in New York City. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 107-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Seth Wenig - Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: New York Knicks' Derrick Rose, left, fouls Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young (11) as he drives to the basket during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series on May 23, 2021 in New York City. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 107-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Seth Wenig - Pool/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks: Taj Gibson, Theo Pinson
New York Knicks (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks made their triumphant return to the NBA playoffs this year after a lengthy hiatus dating all the way back to 2013.

However, that joy of being back in the postseason was rather short-lived as the fourth-seeded Knicks fell to the fifth-seeded Atlanta Hawks in just five games. Although they certainly exceeded expectations for the season by earning home-court advantage in the playoffs, this defeat is no less crushing.

Following their early exit, the Knicks will have several difficult decisions to make once free agency opens up. A massive portion of this roster will become either unrestricted or restricted free agents in the coming months, meaning this team could look far different by the time next season rolls around.

After such a successful run this year, the Knicks are certainly not looking to blow it up and start fresh. This team wants to maintain and build upon what they put together this season, and they will need several of their core players back on the court to do that.

With some spending money at their disposal, here are the three players likeliest to return to the Big Apple next year.

Taj Gibson will likely return to the New York Knicks next season

Very few people were surprised when the Knicks signed veteran big man Taj Gibson in January of this year. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has a knack for bringing in his former players to wherever he happens to be coaching at the time, just as he ironically did with Gibson several years ago when he was at the helm with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Along with giving Thibodeau a trusted veteran he had previous experience with, Gibson provided the Knicks with some frontcourt depth to bolster the rotation. The veteran’s numbers were far from eye-popping as he averaged 5.4 points on .627/.200/.727 shooting splits, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in the regular season. Yet, Gibson found himself in the starting lineup for the team in Games 3, 4, and 5 in these playoffs as the team’s other big men battled through injuries.

Nearing 36-years-old, Gibson’s best days are certainly behind him at the NBA level. He will not be securing a lucrative payday anytime soon, and if he does indeed want to keep playing, sticking around with Thibodeau is likely his best bet. The former Coach of the Year knows Gibson better than anyone else and he will find minutes for him on this team. While his numbers are far from the flashiest, the big man is a hardworking player, solid defender, and great veteran presence on the floor and in the locker room.

Bet on Gibson sticking with the Knicks if he does indeed intend to play another season.

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