Knicks: 3 bold predictions for the offseason (including a trade for Dame)

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 24: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers passes the ball against Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in the third quarter at Moda Center on January 24, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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Bold prediction No. 2: The Knicks stray far from the free-agent market

Yes, the Knicks are good now. Maybe not championship-level good, but that is enough for most Knicks fans for now. Nevertheless, the 2019 NBA offseason still holds a prime-time spot in the nightmares of almost every person repping the orange-and-blue.

Failing to land a single superstar from a pool that contained possibly the most packed talent we’ve ever seen in a single offseason was a huge hit for the team and the 2019-20 season definitely showed that.

Last time out, things were a bit different. The front office opted against chasing every single big-name player, thus limiting their goals into some much more realistic dreams. As a result, the Knicks filled their roster with quality role players that played a big role in this season’s success.

Predicting that the Knicks do the same this season seems like a no-brainer. Conversely to 12 months ago, Leon Rose can boast about having a winning team and culture. Things will be much easier this time too, as this year’s talent is basically non-existent when compared to 2019.

Kawhi Leonard has to be considered this year’s top free agent, though a return to his homeland in Los Angeles is incredibly likely. Other than that, Chris Paul would be an extremely valuable piece to add to the puzzle, though a departure might be unlikely, given the success that the Phoenix Suns have found themselves in as of late.

So with these two guys off the table, Rose will have a much easier job of not going after declining talents such as DeMar DeRozan, Victor Oladipo and Kyle Lowry.

The safest bet would be to expect the Knicks to bring back most members of this surprisingly well-functioning machine while looking to strengthen with role players in those areas where the team showcased the most flaws.

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