New York Knicks: Realistic targets in NBA free agency

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) New York Knicks president Leon Rose (C) watches his team play against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 125-123. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) New York Knicks president Leon Rose (C) watches his team play against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 125-123. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks
NBA free agency, New York Knicks (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks are coming off their most exciting season in nearly a decade. After making sweeping changes throughout the front office and coaching staff, the Knicks have laid the foundation for a new culture and identity. After making the playoffs for the first time since the Carmelo Anthony era, it’s pretty safe to say: THE KNICKS ARE BACK!

Still, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done. The Knicks made the playoffs, but getting eliminated in the first round in a five-game drubbing is not gonna cut it. Not for this fan base anyway.

The Knicks have been very methodical the last two offseasons as they try to rebuild the franchise back to its glory days. This writer fully expects that trend to continue. Now that the franchise has once again gotten a taste of the playoffs, it’s important to build off last year’s momentum and continue to stay the course.

The New York Knicks must now explore the NBA free agency market to fill out the rest of the roster and build a future of sustainable success.

With the 2021 NBA Draft in the books, it’s now time to turn our attention to free agency. While most of the big-name players have already signed extensions or are expected to re-sign with their respective franchises, there are still plenty of quality players available in free agency.

The Knicks have nine players of their own entering the free agency market and must decide if they will bring any of them back. At this moment, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and possibly Mitchell Robinson are the only locks for the starting rotation next season. The franchise known as the heartbeat of New York City must now explore the free agency market to fill out the rest of the roster and build a future of sustainable success.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at some unrestricted free agents that not only fit the Knicks’ timeline but can help improve the team right now.