The New York Knicks have made a statement as the surprise of the NBA during the course of the 2020-21 season. Might New York's inspired performance help it nab impending free agents this summer?
Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported the Knicks have their eyes on four players ahead of free agency. One of those guys is San Antonio Spurs swingman DeMar DeRozan, whom Fischer reported has interest in returning to the Eastern Conference.
Fischer notes the Knicks are likely to keep tabs on New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball, who will be a restricted free agent. Head coach Tom Thibodeau reportedly “covets” Portland Trail Blazers swingman Norman Powell, who is likely to decline his $11.6 million player option in search of a better, more lucrative deal.
One player agent posited the Knicks as a potential landing spot for Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul. The agent said it is “hard to ignore” the connection between Paul and New York president of basketball operations Leon Rose, who previously held the distinction of being Paul's agent. However, Paul might be hard-pressed to turn down his $44.2 million player option, and the Suns might want CP3 to stick around given his impact on the roster.
Regardless, Rose and the Knicks could be purveying a slew of options this summer as they hope to build on what has been a revelatory 2020-21 campaign.
New York has won nine straight entering Monday's showdown with the Suns. The Knicks are currently tied with the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, and their improvements might make the Big Apple a destination for high-profile free agents.
Whether the Knicks can capitalize on this year's success remains to be seen. But they should be active this summer.
Follow Us
Subscribe