NBA Free Agency 2019: 5 offseason targets for the New York Knicks

By Ian Levy | May 20, 2019

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 06: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors walks to the court prior to Game Four of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, CANADA – MAY 19: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors runs on during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard was quiet, relatively, during the regular season as the Raptors depth allowed him to defer at times and rest his body for a deep playoff push. Leonard was not among the regular-season MVP Finalists but there’s a strong case to be made that he’s been the best player in these playoffs. He is exceptional as an isolation scorer and pick-and-roll handler, more than comfortable with working as a primary creator on key possessions. Although the Knicks would likely try to reduce his regular-season load as the Raptors did, he’s more than capable of locking down an opponent’s top scorer in a playoff series.

You could make the argument that Leonard is the best player on this list but rumors have linked him to teams like the Lakers and Clippers far more often than the Knicks. In addition, he may be inclined to stay in Toronto, especially if they can advance past the Bucks, given that their championship window may be open the widest of any potential free agent destination. Still, like any player on this list he could instantly transform the Knicks from bottom-feeder to potential championship contender.

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