Isiah Thomas likes how the New York Knicks have positioned themselves in free agency.

Thomas, the Knicks' former president of basketball operations, told SNY's Ian Begley on May 15 New York's cap space should give them plenty of leverage during the offseason.

They're positioned well for free agency because they have cap space and they can go out and pitch themselves.

They're positioned to have a great summer. But it depends on luck. If they're lucky enough, it can become a great summer.

The Knicks own the third overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. With that in mind, the chances of drafting coveted Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson is extremely low (the New Orleans have the No. 1 overall pick).

Begley then asked Thomas about his thoughts on New York selecting Williamson's Duke teammate, R.J. Barrett. Thomas believes Barrett is “one of the top-rated players in the country over the last four or five years.” Barrett should exploit his talents in head coach David Fizdale's system.

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Thomas also told SNY the Golden State Warriors' Kevin Durant is “the best player in the game right now.” Thomas didn't delve into the Knicks getting Durant. All he said was Durant will make a profound impact on whatever team he joins this summer.

In the event the Knicks snag both Barrett and Durant, they will become a better team. They should improve on their lowly 17-win season in 2018-19. Will they become a playoff team with those two on board? Probably not.

However, that's a solid long-term foundation to build on.