3 Free Agents the Knicks Should Target This Offseason
The New York Knicks are one of the league's most intriguing stories. A roster many didn't expect anything from has been transformed by first-year head coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibs' defensive instincts have been passed onto this team, and their top-ranked defense is a huge reason why they're the currently in the playoff picture.
The Knicks have +20000 odds on WynnBET to win the NBA championship this season. Their eye is on the future, with cap space and assets to make serious noise in 2022. Here are three free agents they should target this offseason.
1. Kyle Lowry
The tale of the Knicks failing to pull the trigger on a Kyle Lowry trade in 2013 has been told at length over the past few years. Still, pursuing Lowry makes sense for the current-day Knicks. The 35-year-old has aged gracefully, barely losing a step this season while averaging 17.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. His do-it-all style combined with great outside shooting (37.6% over nine seasons in Toronto) and defense (career 1.3 steals per game) make him an attractive player. He is the All-Star point guard New York has lacked for years, adding a dependable No. 1 option or No. 2 if they're able to add a true top star. The contenders around the league feature multiple All-NBA players, and the well-liked Lowry would be one piece who can attract others to follow to the Big Apple.
2. John Collins
New York would be wise to nab a young frontcourt talent in John Collins this offseason. He's putting up 18.2 PPG and 7.8 RPG while shooting 38.0% from deep, versatility that fits perfectly in today's NBA. Collins has reportedly butted heads with Trae Young, and his name has been brought up in trade rumors, making him the rare candidate to not have his offer sheet matched in restricted free agency. He's just 23 years old and has potential, especially on defense, waiting to be tapped. The thought of what he could turn into under Thibs is worth salivating over. Mitchell Robinson's injury struggles and the threat of Julius Randle walking at the end of the 2021-22 season make investing in a rising frontcourt star like Collins one move to consider with the Knicks' ample cap space.
3. Jrue Holiday
NOTE: Jure Holiday signed an extension with the Bucks after this story was published. Jrue Holiday provides another possible target outside of Lowry at point guard. Every contender needs to have a PG who can score, distribute and defend at a high level. Holiday certainly checks those boxes. He's averaging 16.1 PPG, 5.1 APG and 4.4 RPG alongside a career-high 1.8 steals per contest and 38.0% shooting from 3-point land. His added impact on defense is notable. Holiday is finding other ways to make a difference with the team's offense revolving around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The guard is perfectly capable of shouldering the scoring load and initiating an offense, though, making him a great piece of any playoff contender. A Holiday signing would fill a huge need while also not breaking the bank, allowing the Knicks to pursue a long-term star on the wing or in the frontcourt, where much of the focus is in today's league.