The New York Knicks are coming off of their first playoff appearance since the 2012-2013 season. They have a huge offseason ahead as free agency starts on August 2nd. The Knicks have a ton of cap room and a young core to build upon in the 2021-22 season.
This Knicks team was led by budding star Julius Randle who had a breakout campaign. Randle won the Most Improved Player award and made his first All-Star appearance. He averaged 24.1 points per game along with 10.2 rebounds per game and 6 assists. He also shot efficiently from behind the arc at 41.1 percent on 5.5 attempts per game. The priority in free agency will be getting him a co-star and more role players.
Here are the 5 best players the Knicks must sign in the 2021 NBA free agency.
Knicks Free Agency Targets, Ranked
5. Guard Dennis Schroder
Dennis Schroder's time with the Los Angeles Lakers will meet its end as they traded for star guard Russell Westbrook. Schroder struggled in the playoffs but was solid in the regular season. He averaged 15.4 points per game and 5.8 assists, which were solid numbers.
The Knicks are in the point guard market, and Schroder would be a solid pickup. He has the versatility to be a starter or a 6th man and is a real impact player. Schroder brings the energy and intensity every night on the floor and would be a perfect fit in coach Tom Thibodeau's system.
If the Knicks miss out on star players, Schroder would be a great player to bring in.
4. Center Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen would be the perfect center alongside Randle. Allen is one of the best defensive centers in the league and would fit well in the Knicks system. Last season, he averaged 12.8 points per game and 10 rebounds.
The problem with acquiring Allen is he is a restricted free agent. The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to resign Allen but the Knicks should still make an offer for him.
3. Guard Kyle Lowry
With Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul expected to resign, the Knicks need to look into Kyle Lowry. Lowry is one of if not the best point guard on the free-agent market. He is a 6-time All-Star and an NBA Champion that would be a great player for the Knicks to add.
Lowry averaged 17.2 points per game and 7.3 assists per game last season and was efficient from three at 39.6 percent. He is a player that is not afraid to take a charge or make a winning play.
If the Knicks can sign Lowry, they could have a deeper postseason run.
2. Forward DeMar DeRozan
Demar DeRozan could be a solid secondary star for the Knicks that would bring a lot of production. Last season with the Spurs DeRozan averaged 21.6 points per game along with 6.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds. The Knicks could use another scorer and playmaker, which would be a perfect role for DeRozan.
DeRozan is looking to compete for a contending team so it will be a challenge bringing him in. The Knicks do have the upper hand as far as money they can sign him for, but they don't want to overpay.
If the Knicks can bring in DeRozan for the right price, it will be quite an addition.
1. Forward Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is the headline free agent if he declines his player option. He is one of the best players in the NBA but likely won't play next season as he tore his ACL in the playoffs. This is a similar situation to when Kevin Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets right after tearing his achilles.
Kawhi will likely stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, but the Knicks should make an offer for him. If the Knicks can land Kawhi, they will become a championship contender in the next few seasons.
The Knicks have a lot to think over the next few days with the franchise's future at stake. Look for the Knicks to be very active in free agency and make some key moves.
