New York Knicks: 5 realistic free agents to target

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on October 8, 2016 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Nets 116-98. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on October 8, 2016 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Nets 116-98. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
New York Knicks
New York Knicks Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images /

After a fairly disappointing 2019-20 campaign, the New York Knicks shift their focus towards the 2020 free agency class to strengthen the roster.

Even year, countless rumors originate, linking the New York Knicks with the best players that are highlighting the free agency class. An example of that was last year, when the Knicks were supposed to sign Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker, Kawhi Leonard, etc.

They ultimately left the free agency flea market empty-handed, other than a Julius Randle that failed to live up to the expectations and a handful of veterans that could be used in a trade package.

This year, let’s not kid ourselves. Not only is the 2020 free agency class one of the worst we’ve seen in a long time, but the top guys are pretty much guaranteed to stick with their squads. As a result, the Knicks will have to settle for B-class free agents.

This may appear bitter at first, but with a growing and evolving team like the New York Knicks, emphasis must be given towards the young core. Surrounding the core with veterans (hopefully better ones than last season) is the best choice moving forward.

During the 2018-19 NBA Season, the Knicks were the worst team in the NBA. One might see why the league’s superstars tried to stay clear of The Garden. This year, though, they were the sixth-worst team in the league, meaning that progress has now been made.

Now under a new head coach in Tom Thibodeau, a player that is known for getting the best out of his young guys, this team is bound to improve. The question is, by how much. Will they have a similar, yet slightly better season, or will they challenge for one of the final playoff spots?

The answer to that cannot be given until we know the final roster of the team. Both the draft and the free agency period are about to affect the organization heavily. But it is important to stick with the realistic targets when the free agency period begins.