After losing the chance at first overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft — Zion Williamson — and failing to trade for Anthony Davis, the New York Knicks seem hopeless. The only chance for them to regain relevancy is to sign a top-tier free agent, which is unlikely to happen. Now, there are rumors they might instead look to smaller-name free agents instead.
The Knicks wanted to come back after years of tanking. They wanted to bring a winning culture back to New York. And, ultimately, they wanted to be competitive again. The only way to rebuild quickly is to lure top superstars in Free Agency. Now that they have a young stud in R.J. Barrett, there are rumors that the New York Knicks will try to acquire several mid-level free agents.
The New York Knicks are Interested in Second-Tier Free Agents According to Rumors
Kevin Durant is the top priority for the Knicks, but it looks like the Brooklyn Nets have the best shot in landing the superstar forward. With that being said, the Knicks should be ready and look for other options if Durant signs with the Nets or stays with the Golden State Warriors.
The New York Knicks have two max player slots. Kyrie Irving is New York’s priority outside of Durant, but Irving is likely to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks should be starting a “Plan B” now and try to look at the second-tier free agents available in the market.
According to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, the Knicks are eying three unrestricted free agents: Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris and DeMarcus Cousins.
“We are going to have the opportunity to meet with the guys we want to meet with,” #Knicks president Steve Mills told @TheUndefeated about upcoming free agency. https://t.co/Ud8L1cYmyu #NBA #NBAFreeAgency
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 25, 2019
Vucevic will surely ask for a max contract after showing up last season with his all-star performance. Harris would surely want a max deal but there is no guarantee that there is a franchise willing to give it to him. And lastly, Cousins might get the same deal he got from the Golden State Warriors last season. He’s still proving his worth, as injuries held him back last season. So, he might need to prove himself before demanding a huge contract.
Harris played well on both the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 20 points and 7.9 rebounds. Vucevic had a terrific season becoming an all-star averaging 20.8 points and 12 rebounds. The center has plenty of suitors, such as the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics, so the Knicks should offer him a better deal. Cousins hasn’t been the same since he injured his Achilles, but he is still one of the best centers in the league when he was healthy.
The Knicks should be very careful in building their roster this offseason. They have enough money to put together a very nice NBA team, they just have to spend it wisely.
Main Image: