The New York Knicks are projected to have upwards of $50 million in cap space when the NBA offseason commences, and Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet could be a potential recipient of that money.

In a conversation on The Athletic, former league executive and stats wizard John Hollinger says that he's heard VanVleet's name connected to the Knicks, and Hollinger likes his value.

“I have him projected at a $20.7 million valuation next season, and the Knicks would be buying his age 26 through 29 seasons on a four-year deal — presumably his prime years…at something around $20 million a year, he’s a solid value who still lets the Knicks have max room in 2021.”

In a May 11 discussion on The Athletic Danny Leroux projected VanVleet:

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“will get about $15 million to $18 million per season, but contract length will be key. That is a totally reasonable price for him over the next few years, but a four-year deal could get thorny at the end if the Knicks are at another stage in their process.”

VanVleet will be one of the most attractive commodities on the market, having averaged 17.6 points and 6.6 assists per game in 48 games this season—after a memorable Finals performance in 2019. He's also a tenacious defender who always plays with a chip on his shoulder. He's reliable in the clutch, and a career 38.8% three-point shooter.

VanVleet is one of the few point guards on the market, and the Knicks are in need of a long-term answer at that position. Elfrid Payton did outperform Hollinger's value last season, per Hollinger's metric, but he carries a limited ceiling. New York also owns a lottery pick in the upcoming draft, which features point guards LaMelo Ball, Killian Hayes, Tyrese Haliburton, and Cole Anthony.

The Knicks' remodeled front office, led by Leon Rose, has yet to hire a head coach, which will surely dictate how they approach the offseason. Tom Thibodeau is the presumed frontrunner for the gig, but the team is interviewing a slew of candidates.