Following an unexpectedly successful season in which they outperformed their preseason win estimates by more than any other team, the Knicks are poised to enter this summer’s free agent market with the most cap space in the league and several holes to fill.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, one potential target for team president Leon Rose could be Warriors free agent Kelly Oubre. Berman hears from a source that there is some mutual interest between the Knicks and Oubre.
Oubre is only 25 years old, and while he had an inconsistent – and at times frustrating – season, he finished the year strong, averaging 17.1 PPG and 6.2 RPG while shooting 35.9% from three over his final 38 games.
Although the Warriors have expressed an interest in retaining the athletic swingman, it would likely be in a reserve role, and Oubre may be looking to bet on himself this summer. Berman notes that some scouts believe that the veteran’s growth has been hurt by being on three different teams since 2018, and that he has yet to reach his ceiling.
The Knicks’ biggest needs going into next season are point guard play and shooting/athleticism from the wing spots. While Oubre brings athleticism in spades, the question for the Knicks front office will be how much he addresses their shooting concerns, and how sustainable they consider the shooting leaps from RJ Barrett and Julius Randle this season.
While the Knicks would love to go superstar hunting with their cap space this summer, there aren’t going to be many names available to fit the bill, which could mean shifting their focus to shoring up their rotation with solid starters such as Oubre.
No. I doubt there’s any interest on the Knicks’ part. His growth may well have been hurt by being on 3 teams in 3 years. The larger consideration is the reason he was on 3 teams in 3 years.
Xactly
Playoffs 3 point %
Randle 33%
Burks 33%
Bullock 33%
Toppins 33%
RJ Barrett 29%
They need Kelly Oubre to make 3 pointers
Oubre would have to make 80% from the three
Yeah, cuz the Knicks always make smart decisions.
Rose hasn’t done anything as stupid as sign Oubre to a long term contract. Until he does, there’s no reason to assume he will, regardless of Knicks’ history.
There is certainly no reason to assume he won’t do anything stupid, considering he was hired by stupid people.
Yeah, there is. You don’t reach the top of an organization like CAA if you’re prone to doing stupid things. This, despite the fact that they have a lot of stupid clients that hire them.
Curtis is just upset the Celtics are gone. Again.
It’s a new day in Knick FO. Just keep Dolan Away
I am not upset dude. I knew the Celtics were going nowhere this year. You guys are kinda sensitive.
Say something bad about the Celtics…it won’t bother me.
Hey the Sox swept the Yankees this weekend. Always a good time !!!
I doubt Rose even wants the look of making Oubre a key acquisition. Maybe if Dolan can sneak him in using one of his back doors.
I give Berman another downgrade. Rose can do better. I like Al’s idea of Dinwiddie, Powell and Fournier… though I like them anywhere else too, salary in that order.
My Projected salary for $60 million cap room in summer
Oubre $18m
Rose $ 17m
Burks $15n
Bullocks 10m
No more cap money for other free agents
Done on free agent market
Why use 100% cap so quick?
Why not take bad contract and lottery picks?
Silly man, if you don’t like it, then maybe change your own projections? Just a thought.
Agreed. Knicks don’t need another wing who can’t shoot 3’s.
Also, I think there’s a medium to medium high chance Oubre just isn’t a good NBA player.
Chris Paul
He has been the best floor raiser trade the last two years. Leon is his former agent too. If they somehow get CP3 and Kawhi they will contend next year
Oubre better be careful. Knicks don’t always play their free agents – see Rivers, Austin.
Rivers got a low one year deal with two non guaranteed years. Oubre should fetch at least 10-15 per
Totally different scenario.
Oubre has already stated he wants $20 million
My 3 year old nephew stated that he wants to be a dinosaur.
Statements don’t always come true.
Can your nephew run point?
No but he has short arms, so maybe he will become a T-Rex.
Theres no 3 year old nephews in the NBA, Oubre is probably getting that.
Every player in the NBA that has an uncle was once a 3 year old nephew. I would imagine that number is somewhere around 85%.
This just looks like a Knicks move
Oubre for Noel and Burks. Salaries fit. Fills needs for both teams. Burks knows the system, and performs quite well in it. It also save the Warriors a few bucks.
All of those players are free agents, so who knows how much money it would save. Additionally, all of those players are free agents, so trades wouldn’t be necessary unless it for a sign and trade. Which I doubt would be necessary for any of those three players.
True. But, they have 7 roster spots to fill. Getting Oubre’s Bird Rights gives them a little more flexibility…Besides, can’t a boy dream.
A starting point guard who can shoot the 3 and make others better to pair with Rose seems to be first priority. Perhaps D Graham or K Numm.
Perfect fit! LMAO Knicks won’t even make the playoffs next year, bet.
lmao, please no. Knicks don’t need another low efficiency shooter.
Knicks might have interest because Oubre might be one of the only FA that would sign with them. They will overpay on him
If Marty says the Knicks won’t make the playoffs next season, they are a lock for the 4 seed. Marty and his high basketball IQ, lol.
Less ego, more passion, and a willingness to accept and thrive in a 6 man role I could actually see this working well –
But he doesn’t get past the first 3 checkpoints
Would be a terrible court pairing w RJ/Randle as a starter
If the first 3 were in place, Oubre wouldn’t be going anywhere. Warriors would consider retaining (maybe even at a start salary) if Oubre would accept a bench/6th man role.
Anyone have any data/impressions about Oubre and Wiseman on the floor together? I hear Wiseman is coming off the bench next year.
Very true xtra
What makes you think Wiseman is coming off the bench next year? It is way to early to be making those decisions. That won’t happen until after the Summer League.
Obrue started yr off bad. But ended it well. But I agree with most here. We need shooting. Fournier is a better fit or even Powell. Rumors are Thibs really likes Powell. Cause he’s a 2way player. And has worked himself to be better. I think he’s a Thibs kind of guy. Just saying. I still would love to trade up for Kuminga or Mitchell. Both can start for us next yr.
Powell, Fournier, and Dinwiddie can hopefully take Knicks to another level.
I think Powell’s probably the best guy out there save maybe THJ. Think he’d be a good fit in NY. I just don’t see how Portland doesn’t break the bank to keep him, unless they’re blowing it up and trading Dame.
Yep Kelly Oubre is More a slashing athletic wing on the break. He’s not a half court set up and drill three kind of guy. Not a 3&D guy who sits in the corner waiting for the kick out. He’ll Hammer home some offensive rebounds or he’ll create for himself off the dribble-drive.
He’ll give everything he’s got and he’s a good pick up depending on what you need. Athletic wings are the rage now but you need Shooters around them.
I’m hoping for a sign-and-trade for Oubre. That way we at least get something for him. I don’t want him back unless it’s for way cheaper
You spelled Tsunami Papi wrong.
Knicks should make offers to John Collins and Lauri Markkanen. Sign one of DeRozan/Lowry/Conley to a 2 year deal if DRose walks. Buy low on Oladipo if he is hanging around in FA. 1 year deal to Lou Wil. 1 yr deal to Noel. 1 yr deal to Bjelica. And if all else fails, trade for CJ. Sign Randle to a reasonable long term deal. Trade Toppin and Knox. Draft Butler.
Knicks need to throw some money at Kyle Lowry or Chris Paul for a 2-3 year deal. Or maybe consider a trade for Kemba if they can get him cheap. What they definitely shouldn’t do, is trade all their youth for a fringe all star such as McCollum. If Lillard becomes available though, that’s a different story.