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New York Knicks: Realistic targets in NBA free agency

By Larry Hammonds

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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NBA free agency, New York Knicks (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /

NBA free agency guard targets for the New York Knicks

Cameron Payne

After spending parts of the 2019-20 season playing in China and the G-League, Cameron Payne revived his NBA career playing with the Phoenix Suns. In 68 games with the Suns, he showcased his scoring and playmaking abilities with averages of 16.9 points, 6.9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per 36 minutes while posting impressive shooting splits of .484/.451/.889.

He would likely have a similar role as a spark plug off the bench or even a stop-gap starter while the team continues developing its young core. Still, his ability to get out in transition and push the pace combined with his deft touch from outside could be exactly what the Knicks need.

Dennis Schroder

While he’s not exactly a playmaking guard, Dennis Schroder has proven to be a viable starting point guard in the NBA. He’s a plus defender and a solid scorer. He’s an inconsistent three-point shooter, but Schroder is at his best when attacking the basket and getting the defense on its heels, shooting 60 percent from within three feet of the rim last season and 56.3 percent for his career.

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He turned down a four-year $84 million contract extension from the Lakers last season, so you know he’s looking for a big payday. On Chad Ford’s NBA Big Board Podcast, Marc Stein suggested Schroder is seeking a contract in the $100 million range.

The Knicks have the cap space to appease the 27-year-old point guard financially, but I’m not sure it would be the smartest move to pay north of $20 million to a point guard who doesn’t raise the team’s floor much, especially when the team is still a few years away from truly competing for a title.

Lou Williams

Lou Williams is likely at the ring-chasing stage of his career, as evidenced by his threat of retirement after getting traded to the Atlanta Hawks last season. Still, if Sweet Lou decides winning a championship isn’t the end-all-be-all, he would be a welcome addition at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks ranked 12th in the NBA in bench scoring last season, and adding a three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner in Williams will only improve their bench.

Danny Green

The Knicks were the third-most efficient team from long range last season but ranked 27th in attempts per game (30) and 21st in 3-pointers made per game (11.8). Adding Danny Green, who shot 40.5 percent from behind the arc last season and 40.1 percent for his career, would give the franchise a much-needed boost in that department.

Green knows what it takes to win in this league. With four NBA Finals appearances and three titles under his belt, his veteran presence could be a critical factor in the growth of the Knicks’ young nucleus and the team continuing to take steps forward as a whole.

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