Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported last week that the Knicks are open to accommodating salary-dump deals with their cap room this fall, and in his preview of the NBA offseason, ESPN’s Zach Lowe confirms that the team has conveyed that it’s willing to be patient and gather assets using its cap space.
However, Lowe suggests it’s not clear what exactly the Knicks’ definition of “unwanted salaries” is, adding that they may want to take on players who can help the 2020/21 club without compromising future cap room. In other words, a deal that resembles the Clippers’ acquisition of Maurice Harkless last summer might be of interest to the Knicks — that was ostensibly a salary dump, with Los Angeles receiving a first-round pick for taking on Harkless, but the veteran forward also became a regular rotation player in L.A.
As for whether the Knicks are looking to spend big on any free agents, Lowe speculates that the Knicks may be willing to go that route only for a handful of players who are “under some age threshold and available at the right price.” It’s possible that young free agents like Fred VanVleet and Christian Wood – both of whom have been linked to New York – could fit that bill if bidding doesn’t go too high.
Here’s more on the Knicks:
- The Knicks have had interest in Victor Oladipo in the past, but may have shifted into “wait and watch” mode on the Pacers guard, according to Lowe. In other words, New York probably isn’t willing to give up significant assets for Oladipo without some on-court proof that he’s fully recovered from the quad tendon injury that sidelined him for a year.
- New York has been reluctant to discuss RJ Barrett or Mitchell Robinson in any trade talks, sources tell Lowe. If the Knicks look to move up in the draft, I imagine teams would ask about one or both of those two players. However, they’re New York’s most obvious long-term cornerstones, so it’s no surprise that the team isn’t eager to make them available.
- Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic profiles new Knicks president of basketball operations Leon Rose in an in-depth story. A report earlier this week indicated that Rose is earning $8MM on his new deal with the Knicks.
Knicks untouchable in any trade?
Future First draft picks
And
RJ and Mitch
Trade up
I don’t think RJ is anything special. Trade him for a proven star (Beal) or picks.
After trading away Randle and 3 young talents
I suggest that Knicks sign 4 players
VanVleet
Harrell
Wood
Ibaka
Then make good deal trade deadline
U play too much 2K bro. U throw trade proposals on every thread
They aren’t signing those 4
They should move on from their PG mess of Smith, Frank and Payton. Bring in VanVleet to get this rebuild off the ground. There isn’t really anything worth trading up for. I like them for Haliburton and pairing him with VanVleet would make for a solid and young backcourt with really good shot making and play making ability. Couple those 2 with RJ at the 3 and Robinson at the 5 and you got a little something to build on. Been a long road for the knicks but just because ownership and front office keeps setting this team back 3 years every single year doesnt mean they should try to overpay guys to go there. Keep building in the draft while maintaining cap flexibility and see if Rose can get this thing off the ground
Knicks should not overpay FVF. They better try to sign Bogdanovic, move Portis and get Harrell. Giannis won’t come to MSG so no need to save up the cap space. They certainly should not panic and try to get big name like Griffin or Westbrick. They won’t make playoff with either of these guys so why bother
Knicks need Okongwu. Trade the two first-rounders to move up.
Really?? Only player they might sign is Woods. I wouldn’t overpay him. Knicks are not taking on contracts. Unless it’s a player who will play (Westbrook), (Horford). They leave plenty cap space for next yr. The big FA yr. I rather sign Clarkson than VanVleet. Rather trade for Rozier than sign VV. With Knicks it’s all about the draft. Okongwu would be a great fit with Mitch. He could drop to us.
Okongwu won’t drop. Knicks should be ready to deal with whoever picks him.
No offense to Mr. Flintstone but who the heck is rebuilding their franchise around FVF? Oh wait, James Dolan is involved? Carry on…
Rose, with a few exceptions, has generally put out all the right messages, and done so consistently. I have no reason (yet) not to believe it.
Based on that I expect:
– FVV (if he’s really available) to be a target; he checks all the boxes.
– Looking at all available stretch 4’s that are 2 way younger players, including Wood.
– They won’t chase any FA or trade target.
Just bring back Ewing, starks, mason, Harper, and Oakley. Trying to watch the Knicks for the past twenty years has forced my hair to turn grey and my blood pressure to go through the roof.
Knicks are going to be patient? I don’t expect we need to wait long before they contradict that statement. This is the kind of thing they put out right before they trade a first round pick or two.