The New York Knicks still claim to be a free agent destination, but their consistent inability to lure stars has proven otherwise.
With (another) new front office in charge led by Leon Rose and an unprecedented offseason looming bereft of star free agents, the Knicks will be looking to the trade market for marquee additions ahead of the 2020-21 campaign (they also need a head coach).
The Knicks' pieces offer trade flexibility—hence their open cap sheet past 2021. They have two mildly appealing young-ish players (Julius Randle, Frank Ntilikina), two recent lottery picks that so far look like busts (Dennis Smith Jr., Kevin Knox) and a stable of serviceable veterans on short-term deals (Elfrid Payton, Reggie Bullock, Taj Gibson, Bobby Portis, Wayne Ellington).
With that in mind, here are a few “stars” the Knicks could reasonably pursue.
Blake Griffin, Detroit Pistons
Griffin played just 18 games in 2019-20 before knee surgery, and questions remain about the back-half of his career. Griffin should be healthy now, and he did average 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 75 games in 2018-19.
At 31 and owed $75.8 million over the next two years, Griffin’s value has never been lower. Based on Detroit’s Andre Drummond giveaway in February, it’s clear they are in “blow-it-up” mode. I can’t imagine the Pistons front office is getting too many calls about Griffin, so the Knicks could swoop in and take a flyer on Griffin exchange for a package of expiring vets.
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Love is owed about $30 million annually through 2022-23, but he’s still an effective player. Despite the train-wreck that was Cleveland’s 2019-20 season, Love posted 20 points and 11.1 rebounds per-36, while shooting 37.4% on nearly eight threes per game.
It’s no secret that Love is over Cleveland, and as a cosmopolitan guy whose girlfriend, Kate Bock, is based in New York, the forward's effort might perk up in the Big Apple.
As a hoops fit, the Knicks are reportedly in the market for a forward to space the floor and enable Barrett drives and Robinson rim-runs, which Love could certainly provide.
It's possible Cleveland would try to foist Andre Drummond on the Knicks in a deal, but New York could match the money either way. In theory, the Knicks could offer Randle, Ntilikina, Gibson, Portis, and Ellington, and the Dallas pick. Cleveland gets younger and clears money, while the Knicks win a few more games.
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
The Knicks were recently reported as potential suitors for the 28-year old, who has one more year on his deal at $21 million.
Oladipo didn't quite find a groove in 2020 since returning from the complicated knee injury he suffered in Jan. 2019, but was starting to show signs. In 13 games, he averaged 19.1 points per-36 with a dismal 45.7 eFG% and lacked his previous explosiveness.
There are still concerns about Oladipo replicating the super-charged two-way player he was in 2017-18, but his work ethic and motor are proven, and his price is drastically lower than it would have been two years ago. If Rose could get Oladipo without surrendering Barrett or Robinson—say, Knox, Ntilikina, multiple first-rounders, and a package of expiring veterans—it might be worth a shot.
Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder
Paul’s long-time relationship with Rose is well-documented, and the Knicks’s interest in Paul has been rumored since Paul's former CAA agent got the gig.
Paul has surprisingly upped his value with an All-Star age-34 season in Oklahoma City. He's averaging 17.7 points and 6.8 assists with his typical efficiency across the board, leading the Thunder to a 40-24 record. More importantly, CP3 displayed his worth as a veteran leader and culture-setter—something the Knicks could use.
Paul is due to make $41.4 million next season and $44.2 million the year after. Considering the Knicks aren’t going to contend for the title anytime soon—and with business reliably thriving—a short-term investment in Paul could pay long-term dividends, if his habits rub off on the young Knicks.
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
A long-shot without including Barrett or Robinson, but still a call worth making.
At 23, Booker made his first All-Star team in 2020, averaging 26.1 points on .487/.360/.916. He signed a five-year max extension in 2018, which will earn him $29.4 million in 2020-21, $31.6 million in 2021-22, and up to nearly $36 million annually by 2023-24. Whether a potential package comprise of the Knicks upcoming lottery pick, another first rounder, Randle, and Ntilikina and/or Knox would be enough to entice Phoenix to deal Booker is doubtful. But, if the pick lands in the top two, Phoenix could be swayed by the prospect of pairing Ball with DeAndre Ayton.
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