By The Mikal Bridges trade solidified the Knicks’ status as top-tier contenders. A superstar in Jalen Brunson, a star in Julius Randle, and an elite group of role players that cover up each other’s flaws and bolster their strengths. The Knicks had one of their best offseasons in recent memory, and are building themselves up to challenge (and beat) the Celtics. They currently have some of the best contracts in the league, and the power of friendship between the Nova Knicks means that this team is likely to stick around with each other. This gives the Knicks leverage as they bargain with free agents, because their core may be willing to take a pay cut to play with each other.
But, even the best teams in the league can get better around the margins. There are holes in the Knicks roster, and the Knicks should aim to fill them as early as possible. The Knicks have around $15-20 million in cap space under the 2nd Apron. The best part for the Knicks is that this year’s luxury tax bill will not be substantial either. They have 3 roster spots left to fill, and some positions to cover for, so here are free agents the Knicks should look to sign.
Free Agency: Key Contributors Knicks Should Sign
Knicks Free Agent Options
Precious Achiuwa
The Knicks need a backup center. Precious Achiuwa is an unrestricted free agent, and the Knicks should try to bring him back. He averaged 24.2 minutes with the Knicks and proved his defensive versatility despite being undersized. Achiuwa averaged 1.1 blocks per game, and was a menace on the offensive glass, averaging 2.9 offensive boards per game. Achiuwa is an offensive downgrade from Hartenstein and is shockingly inefficient for a center. Last season, he shot just 62.7% at the rim, 53rd percentile, and below average for a center. But, the Knicks do not expect much offensive production from their centers. Mikal Bridges (NYK-Nets trade) and a healthy Julius Randle will make up for his lack of offense. The Knicks can/must re-sign Achiuwa using their mid-level exception worth $5.2 million. Jericho Sims has not panned out the way he was supposed to, and Mitchell Robinson‘s injury concerns are a real issue.
Kyle Lowry
For all the pros about this Knicks squad, they are still a very young team. Randle is the oldest player on the Knicks at age 30, and some veteran presence will help the Knicks in pressure moments. So, why not go all-in with the Nova Knicks tag? Bring in the oldest Nova of them all, the father, Kyle Lowry. Lowry played at Villanova from 2004-2006, almost 7 years before anybody from this Knicks team would debut for Villanova. Lowry has played 18 years in the NBA and is productive even to this day. He is a good 3-point shooter, and can still distribute the ball at a high level. He had an assist/turnover ratio of 3.1, which would be the best mark on the Knicks (except Miles McBride). Lowry is still a good defender and can hold his own against the best point guards in the league.
Furthermore, Lowry is an NBA champion and has played many games at the NBA’s pinnacle. Lowry has played 35 games in the Conference Finals/NBA Finals and brings the experience to a team lacking veterans. Additionally, Tyler Kolek (Knicks 2nd round pick) would benefit from watching and learning from a prototypical point guard. Lowry can be a mentor of sorts to this team and doesn’t even have to get huge minutes. Instead, he can help players improve their games, and be a leader in the locker room. The Knicks should be able to get Lowry for the veteran minimum, which is currently at $3 million.
Haywood Highsmith
The free agent market is now bleak, partly because the Knicks were unable to act early on due to the Bridges trade saga. But, Highsmith is the cheap defense-first wing that Thibs will end up loving. He made a name for himself as one of the best perimeter defenders on the Heat, and can easily play that role as a backup to Anunoby. Highsmith allowed opponents to shoot just 35.8% from 3-point land, and just 50% inside the arc. He is the perfect backup to OG Anunoby and allows Thibs to rest OG more often so that he’s fit come playoff time.
However, Highsmith was offered a contract by the Heat. He is unlikely to be cheap, and executives predicted that he would receive an offer in the $8-10 million range annually. If that is the case, the Knicks will have to look elsewhere.
The Last Word on Knicks Free Agent Options
The Mikal Bridges trade threw a wrench in the Knicks’ plans. Sorting out the deal took longer than many thought it would, and that has now left a barebones market for the Knicks to sign from. But, they must look to sign at least 1 of the 3 mentioned above. The Knicks could also pivot to signing more of their 2nd-round draft picks and easing cap space later on, but whatever they do, they must move quickly.
In Leon Rose We Trust!
