New York Knicks: 5 restricted free agents to target this offseason

Restricted free-agent target for the New York Knicks: 1. Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball would be a great addition to the Knicks. Listed at 6’6” with a 6’9” wingspan, he’s a versatile defender who can guard one through three and plays the passing lanes extremely well. He’s great in the pick and roll and is at his best in transition.

Most importantly, after retooling his jump shot, he’s become a better 3-point shooter. He shot 37.8 percent from behind the arc last season, and he shot 37.5 percent the year before. He also improved his free throw percentage last season, shooting a career-high 78.1 percent.

Ball will fit in perfectly with a Knicks team that emphasizes defense and ball movement. His ability to push the pace in transition and find the open man will do wonders for a team that ranked dead last in pace as well as fast-break points per game.

Just stop for a second and picture Ball throwing a fast-break alley-oop to RJ Barrett or Julius Randle. How smooth the pick-and-roll game with him and Mitchell Robinson will be. How exciting does that sound? Nabbing Ball in free agency would send a jolt of energy and excitement through the organization and the fan base.

The Knicks may have to offer Ball more than they would like to discourage the New Orleans Pelicans from matching the offer sheet, but he may very well be worth the price tag. With the most cap space of any team entering free agency, the Knicks can very well afford to throw the bag at Lonzo and still acquire some of their other targets.