3 moves the Knicks need to make this offseason
By John Buhler
2. Sign DeMar DeRozan in free agency to elevate a limited offensive ceiling
After playing three years of anonymous basketball for the post-Tim Duncan era San Antonio Spurs, it would serve former Toronto Raptors cornerstone DeMar DeRozan to return to the Eastern Conference. In his prime, DeRozan was a perennial All-Star and All-NBA performer next to Kyle Lowry in the Toronto backcourt. His mid-range game would be welcomed by New York fans.
DeRozan has never been a great 3-point shooter at only 28.1 percent throughout his career. However, he has averaged at least 20 points per game since his breakout season with the 2013-14 Raptors, culminating in his first trip to the All-Star Game. DeRozan is coming off a season where he has averaged 21.6 points, 6.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game for San Antonio.
If he can be some version of Carmelo Anthony light in his early 30s, he could be the third-best player on a championship-caliber team. New York already has an All-NBA performer in forward Julius Randle. The Knicks will still need a superstar to get them over the top, but by signing DeRozan away from the Spurs in his free agency, it might increase their odds to win the Atlantic.
DeRozan’s reliable scoring raises the Knicks’ ceiling, but he should only be their third-best player.