Free Agents the Knicks Should Consider

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As the season winds down, it's time for the New York Knicks to begin looking at the upcoming free agents for 2016. Here are a few players the team should consider signing if they want to have a success in the 2016-17 season and beyond.

Mike Conley

Conley's game has grown tremendously over the past three seasons and would translate well to the Knicks offense. A solid point guard like him would help both Anthony and Porzingis get easier looks at the basket a put a sense of flow and control to a unit that is often stagnant and discombobulated.

Rajon Rondo

His attitude still needs some adjusting, but there is no denying his ability to distribute on the court. Rondo would bring an aggressive, freewheeling style that would create countless opportunities for scorers. Phil Jackson has stated that he wants a guard that can effectively run his patented triangle offense, something Rondo is a bit skeptical of. However, the door is still open for the Knicks to convince him to give it a try.

Pau Gasol

Despite his age (35) Gasol is still a very capable big man with scoring ability. His experience would come in handy for a youngster like Porzingis who would stand to benefit greatly under 14-year veterans wing. His relationship with the Zen Master should make him an easier candidate to pursue, but it will depend on how he feels at this point in his career.

Kent Bazemore

Bazemore has opened some eyes in Atlanta by thriving as a role player. The Knicks could use some extra help off the bench in the form of an effective 6th man, he just might be the guy to do it. He's also a fairly good two-way defender, something sorely needed on a team that has given up so much on the perimeter.

Josh Smith

Smith has suddenly hit a crossroad in his career. Despite having talent, there doesn't seem to be a place that is a definite fit for him. New York could change that by giving him the chance to play a purposeful role. Signing him would require the team to make some roster adjustments, but if there's still any semblance of the former All Defensive Second team member, it's one the Knicks should consider.

Jeremy Lin

This might seem a bit farfetched, but a Lin-Knicks reunion is something that should be looked into. Lin hasn't made his mark on the league quite like he did in the big apple, and if it wasn't for a contested contract situation, he probably would still be in New York. His ability to break down defenses and make plays with the ball are a staple of his game and you have to believe the fans who still remember the "Linsanity" days would welcome him back with open arms.

Kevin Durant

The top free agent to be is a dream acquisition many fans would love to see. While meshing he and Anthony's games would prove to be a task, there's no denying his potential impact on the team. The Knicks have suffered greatly to find a second scorer who can put up consistent numbers each game. Bringing in Durant would not only solve those problems, it would give the Knicks the respect and relevancy that has eluded them for nearly 15 years.

             

Analyzing the Knicks Free Agency Moves

              

As the free agency frenzy has passed, the Knicks emerged with a handful of new pieces that they hope will help change the culture and fortunes of the beleaguered franchise. Whether these moves will pan out is up to the success of Jackson's plan and the teams patience to see it through.



Robin Lopez 4 yrs $54 million - Lopez may not be the post up big man the team needs, but his intangibles and length fill a gaping hole that has been open for quite some time. His game can translate well to the triangle and he'll deliver a spark on the defensive end. Considering the contracts that DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol, and Greg Monroe were given, the Knicks may have a essential bargain (if you can believe it).



Arron Afflalo 2 yrs $16 million (2nd year player option) - This was the teams first move of free agency and a surprisingly fast one at that. Afflalo adds his sharp shooting touch and veteran defensive skills that can keep opposing guards as bay. For a team that struggle to get any real consistency from this position all season, he is a more than welcome upgrade.



Derrick Williams, 2 yrs $10 million - Williams brings a will and determination to the court similar to Quincy Acy. The former 2nd overall pick didn't have the most impressive season, but his effort alone made him an attractive candidate to Jackson. Defense is the primary impact he should have on the Knicks and at this juncture, they can use all the help they can get



Kyle O'Quinn (via sign and trade with Orlando) 4 yrs $16 million - This was a good move for New York, adding more depth to the front court. O'Quinn has many tools at his disposal and if used correctly, will be a ball of consistency on both ends. It also helps that he is a native New Yorker and has experience on the big stage going back to his time at Norfolk State where he helped defeat the No. 2 ranked Missouri Tigers in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Things won't turn around instantly for the Knicks, but these moves should get on the right track and build hope for better future.

To Fix Things, The Knicks Must Start Small

The Knicks are going to have more cap space than any other team in the NBA this summer. In most circumstances it should mean they can lure any top tier free agent they want, but given how abysmal this year has been that's not going to be the case.  It won't be easy to convince players like LaMarcus Aldridge or Marc Gasol to come away from their current situations, so it's best for the Knicks to target other mid tier players that would best suit what they want to do.  Building a proper team that way could make things a lot easier come 2016 when players such as Kevin Durant, Lance Stephenson (potentially), and (dare I say) Lebron James hit the market.  That cannot happen unless they focus on improving the roster this off season.

Here are some upcoming free agents I think would be good targets:

 

Aaron Afflalo - A good shooter who can spread the floor and hold his own defensively.  His game would work well with Carmelo Anthony and the triangle offense.



Tobias Harris -  He has a high upside with his quickness and scoring ability.  It also helps that he is a native New Yorker and has already expressed interest in joining the Knicks.



Robin Lopez - The Knicks need a solid, defensive minded, and good rebounding big man.  He would bring a nice dynamic that can be counted on on a nightly basis.



Amir Johnson -  Another good rebounder with the skill to score in the paint. He's also willing to get physical down low, something that has been lacking on this team for a while.




Greg Monroe - If there is a player that resembles what Amare Stoudemire was for the Knicks minus the injuries it's Monroe (Though he is a much more capable defender).  He can score, rebound, and is effective around the rim.  Likewise, he will have no problem adjusting to a system like the triangle. However, should the team get the top pick and draft Jahlil Okafor, bringing him in could potentially jam things up on the roster, but having him as an alternative is not a bad thing.



Reggie Jackson - The teams need of a quality point guard couldn't be more evident. Jackson is a quick guard who can break a defense down with his slashing style and high motor.  He may cost a little more than the others, but signing him would be an instant talent upgrade.



Goran Dragic - Here is the ideal triangle offense point guard.  He can set up teammates, hit open shots at a high rate, and provide stabilization for a volume shooter like Anthony.  The only problem is he could decide to stay in Miami and not take the chance in signing with the Knicks given their current situation. Nevertheless, the team should still take a shot at him.