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NBA Free Agency: Knicks talking with Corey Brewer, Derrick Williams

By Kyle Franzoni

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As NBA Free Agency steams on, the New York Knicks are meeting Friday with forwards Corey Brewer and Derrick Williams.

On Thursday we learned that the New York Knicks were getting close to a deal with free agent center Robin Lopez, but they don’t appear to be done just yet. With multiple holes still to be filled, ESPN’s Chris Broussard is also reporting that New York is scheduled to meet with forwards Corey Brewer and Derrick Williams.

Next: 8 free agent moves the Knicks must make

It is obvious by looking at the Knicks targets to date that the team is looking to go in a much different direction in 2015-16. After finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference and allowing the most points per game in the conference last season, the Knicks appear to be making an effort to defend the basket better and spread the floor a bit more. The pursuit of Brewer, Williams, and Lopez characterize those moves.

At 6’9″ and 185 lbs, Corey Brewer has carved out a solid career for himself as a complimentary player or a sixth man. He proved that after his trade to the Houston Rockets in December 2014. A pesky defender on the ball, Brewer proved that he could also chip in some points when needed, averaging 11.5 points to go along with his 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 2014-15. If Lopez also comes aboard, it will be Brewer’s defense that will benefit the Knicks most, as Lopez has proven to be a solid shot-blocker in the post. That will allow Brewer to do what he does best, and that is take gambles on defense.

Derrick Williams is an interesting choice for the Knicks. The 2nd overall pick in 2011, Williams never blossomed into the efficient scorer he was while at Arizona. That led to his minutes and possessions dropping in the last few seasons and he’s averaged just 8.2 points and 3.5 rebounds over the last two seasons. However, his stock likely jumped up over his last 16 games for the Kings, when he averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and his minutes climbed to 25.1 per game.

As Broussard mentions, the Knicks have around $8 million left to spend under the salary cap. That likely means the team will only be picking up one of either Brewer or Williams but not both. Williams raked in $6.3 million last season while Brewer brought home a little over $4.7 million, making him the much better buy.

That said, it’s still kind of a crap shoot as to which direction the Knicks will go at this point, or if they are even a desirable location for potentials free agents.

Next: Top 25 NBA free agents for 2016

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