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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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

NBA free agency forward targets for the New York Knicks

Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum will be 33 years old in December and has dealt with a multitude of injuries over his 13-year career but proved he still has some gas left in the tank last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Healthy for the first time in nearly two years, he appeared in 67 of a possible 72 games and shot 40.4 percent from 3-point range and 46.4 percent from the field while posting his best defensive rating (108.2) since the 2016-17 season.

He’s been a consummate professional his entire career, and with such a young roster, Batum’s veteran presence would be a plus for the locker room and practice for the Knicks. His 3-point shooting and defensive versatility would just be a bonus.

Carmelo Anthony

Now that Phil Jackson and Steve Mills are floating somewhere in the multiverse, it’s time to bring Carmelo Anthony home. His newfound humility and willingness to accept a lesser role make this the perfect time to make it happen. Nothing short of winning a championship next year would make Knicks fans happier than seeing Melo suit up in a Knicks uniform again.

He would add depth at the forward position, and his ability to score in bunches off the bench would do wonders for a Knicks team that was middle of the pack in bench scoring last season.

DeMar DeRozan

Another forward the Knicks may target is DeMar DeRozan. I’m not a fan of the idea, but it would make sense. The twelve-year veteran is an efficient scorer adept at knocking down tough shots, can act as a tertiary playmaker, and has a ton of playoff experience.

The problem is he hurts floor spacing with his refusal to shoot 3-pointers. Even if he does decide he’s finally gonna stop zigging while everyone zags next season, he’s a career 28.1 percent 3-point shooter and never shot higher than 33.8 percent from deep. He’s also going to be 32-years-old when the 2021-22 season begins.

Doug McDermott

Doug McDermott is coming off the best statistical season of his career in which he averaged career-highs in points (13.6) and rebounds (3.3) while playing a career-high 24.5 minutes per game. McDermott is an efficient shooter and deadly threat from behind the arc, shooting 40.5 percent from three for his career. The Knicks should be able to obtain his services on a team-friendly contract as he’s never earned more than $7.33 million in a season. Also, there’s the familiarity factor as he played briefly for New York during the 2017-18 season when he came over as part of the trade that sent Melo to the OKC Thunder.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Targeting former Knicks seems to be a common theme here, and for a good reason. Tim Hardaway Jr., who was originally drafted by the Knicks, has improved his game since his days of playing in Madison Square Garden. His shooting touch has gotten better, and he’s become more aggressive attacking driving lanes and is a much smarter passer than two-and-a-half years ago when he last suited up for the Knicks.

It’s not very likely he signs with a team who traded him, signed him as a free agent, and then traded him again. But it’s not out of the realm of possibility. The only thing that’s certain is Hardaway is looking for a big pay-day, and the Knicks are one of the few teams that have the cap space to make it happen.

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