Subscribe
Follow Us
The New York Knicks are coming off yet another disappointing season, finishing with a league-worst 16-65 record. However, things could change within the next couple of months because not only are they expected to get one of the top three picks in this June's draft, but they also have enough cap space to sign two top-tier free agents to max contracts.
There has been a lot of speculation about whether or not Knicks' owner James Dolan will be able to bring a superstar to join the franchise, but the fans are hopeful that he could. But what exactly are the possible moves New York can make in the offseason?
To be honest, a lot. They are in a perfect situation to quickly turn the franchise's future around. So let's take a look at some of the things that they might be able to pull off this summer.
They will draft Zion Williamson
Is there anything more obvious?
Once the Knicks get the top pick in this year's draft, they are expected to use it to select collegiate sensation Zion Williamson, the high-flying big man from Duke University. This move alone will make New York an intriguing destination from free agents, top-tier or not, and media attention will surely be plenty.
The Knicks will have an opportunity at a potentially generational talent if they select Williamson. Although there are people out there who are still questioning if he's an NBA-ready talent, there is no doubt that his upside is extremely high, and if the Knicks will focus on his development, they might be able to turn him into the best player in the NBA within the next five to seven years.
The Knicks will land just one superstar
Yes, the Knicks have enough room to sign two of the best players in the league right now, and there are speculations that Golden State Warriors' Kevin Durant is a ‘lock' to join the franchise. If New York does end up getting KD, they will reportedly go after Boston Celtics' Kyrie Irving next.
However, it is hard to imagine that the Knicks, a franchise that has been managed poorly over the past couple of years, will be able to land two superstars with their top pick. The best case scenario is that they will get the top pick and sign either KD or Kyrie, but not both.
That will still be considered a success if the Knicks manage to pull that off.
The Knicks will join the Anthony Davis sweepstakes
Let's say that the Knicks ended up signing both Durant and Irving. They now become an instant championship contender, especially since they are playing in the East. If Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard and Philadelphia 76ers' Jimmy Butler decides to play for a team in the Western Conference, then New York's path to the Finals is almost guaranteed.
However, bringing in KD and Kyrie could hurt the development of whoever they draft; whether it's Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, or Ja Morant.
Of course, the Knicks are in a win-now mentality, and they will most certainly have no time to develop a prospect. So the chances are they will engage in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, who are expected to move Anthony Davis for the right price.
The Knicks will have to offer the top pick, and maybe Dennis Smith Jr., and Mitchell Robinson to the Pelicans to sweeten the deal, and that's something that New Orleans will most likely accept.
Now let's say that the Knicks were only able to sign Kevin Durant. Then this trade makes more sense as they will need to pair him with another superstar, and Davis is the likeliest choice.
At this point, these are all speculations, but the possibilities are endless for the Knicks. It is up to them to handle this with wise decision making and thorough planning.
However, don't be surprised if they blow this up, as they have done countless times in the past.
