3 superstar free agents Knicks can acquire and how

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MAY 11: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clipperslooks to pass during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on May 11, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MAY 30: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at State Farm Arena on May 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The Knicks need to land an impact star in free agency this summer if they want to continue their ascendancy. Here are three prime targets for New York.

Tom Thibodeau’s first season in New York exceeded all expectations. He narrowly edged out Monty Williams to win the NBA Coach of the Year Award while piloting the Knicks to a respectable playoff berth. That doesn’t mean Thibodeau and the team’s front office don’t have a lot of heavy lifting to do this summer.

The good news for Knicks fans is that their favorite franchise is armed with over $59 million in practical cap space heading into the offseason. Some of that should be eaten up by retaining key free agents from this year’s squad, but New York should still be able to carve out the cap space required to chase any potential max free agent this summer.

That means it’s time for the Knicks to go big game hunting. Landing any of the following three superstars could help transform New York from good to great in 2021-22.

3. Mike Conley would be a perfect veteran fit for the Knicks

Derrick Rose did an admirable job holding up as New York’s starting point guard down the stretch, but he shouldn’t be counted on to reprise that role next season. Finding a superior option should the Knicks’ top priority in free agency.

Conley is slated to hit unrestricted free agency heading into his age-34 season. He might be too expensive for the Jazz to retain given the lucrative money they’re committing to Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

If Utah lets him walk, the Knicks are a team that should consider overpaying for the steady veteran. His shooting ability would do wonders to unlock New York’s offense and he’s got the playmaking chops required to make life easier on RJ Barrett. Conley’s age and injury history should temper his market slightly, but the Knicks can use those factors to their advantage if they want to take a run at him.

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