The Knicks exceeded expectations two or three times over in 2020-21, but with the rest of the league more prepared for them this season, how far can the Knicks go in 21-22?
Knicks Pursuit of Another Super Star
Knicks fans have been clamoring for the team to sign a big time free agent for years. Since chasing LeBron James back in 2008 and settling for Amare Stoudemire, the Knicks have been starved for big time free agent or trade landings.
That may change this offseason. The Knicks have proven that not only do they have money to spend this offseason, but they are officially a destination for free agents again.
The Knicks’ season this past year was probably their best recruitment tool they could come up with. Tom Thibodeau is an elite coach and the Knicks have a mixture of building blocks and solid veterans to get the job done.
This could all lead to Damian Lillard making his way to New York.
Lillard is still under contract with the Blazers, but it is almost a forgone conclusion at this point that Lillard will request a trade and the Knicks appear to be on his short list.
BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review) even has odds on Lillard’s next team if traded, and the Knicks come in as the favorites at +160. The 76ers come in at +225 and the Knicks have to be focused on not being outbid for Lillard if they want him. Philly has better assets, so New York may need to offer Immanuel Quickley and more picks in any deal for Lillard.
Outside of Lillard, the Knicks have other options in free agency if they can’t land the Blazers’ superstar. Other big name free agents this offseason include Chris Paul, John Collins (restricted), Lonzo Ball (restricted), DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.
None of these guys would be to the level that Lillard is, but they would certainly help the Knicks in their quest to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Knicks Free Agent Decisions
Although the Knicks are bringing back some of their core contributors next season like Julius Randle and youngsters R.J. Barrett and Obi Toppen, they have a ton of decisions to make.
Mitch Robinson is entering the final year of his rookie contract and if he is not included in a trade for Lillard or another superstar-level player, he will have to be extended.
When healthy, Robinson has proven to be one of the best young rim-protecting big men in the league and with Nerlens Noel a free agent, the Knicks need to secure a big man and rim protector.
Along with Noel, the Knicks have a ton of other free agents that were core contributors last year and whether or not they can bring them back may be the biggest non-Lillard piece of their puzzle this offseason.
The most glaring free agent who the Knicks should break open the piggy bank for is Derrick Rose.
Rose had an amazing bounce back season in New York and if they acquire Lillard, re-signing Rose should be their top priority. Having a competent backup point guard and sixth man served them well and it should serve them well again regardless of who else they bring in.
Other than Rose and Noel, Alec Burks and Reggie Bullock are also free agents, so while the Knicks have a ton of money to spend, they will need to spend it wisely and have some decisions on who they will let go and who they will keep.
Their chances to become contenders in the East depend on it. The Bucks, Sixers and Nets are all still better than the Knicks as of now. The Knicks will need a ton of depth and a superstar(s) at the top other than Randle if they are to compete this season.
