The New York Knicks have yet to indulge in free agency this offseason. But there is still time, and the Knicks theoretically have at least two open roster spots as just 12 players have fully guaranteed contracts, according to The Athletic’s Fred Katz. Katz believes there are several players still available who can fit the Knicks’ needs.
NBA Rumors: Knicks Have Multiple Options to Fill Last Two Roster Spots
After recording its best season in over a decade, New York entered the offseason with dreams of bringing in a star. The Knicks and their supporters believed that would happen due to their assets. However, their transaction list can be summed up by Josh Hart opting in, signing Donte DiVincenzo, and trading Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks also made several moves regarding their two-way slots.
New York currently has 15 players on standard contracts. But to Katz’s point, DaQuan Jeffries and Isaiah Roby’s deals are non-guaranteed. Jericho Sims’ contract is partially guaranteed, although it becomes fully guaranteed in mid-August. Sims is expected to remain the team’s third center with the club. However, the Knicks have been desperately looking to unload Evan Fournier, with the latest rumor being that they may buy him out ($18.8 million).
New York’s roster salary totals $160.5 million. Thus, the Knicks are $4.7 million away from being hard capped, though that number would increase by over $4 million if they released Jeffries and Roby. Both players signed contracts with the Knicks late last season.
Before signing with New York, Roby played 42 games for the San Antonio Spurs. The 25-year-old forward tallied 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11 minutes of action per game for the Spurs. Roby, who produced a career season in 2021-22, was decent with the Knicks’ Las Vegas Summer League team, though turnovers were an issue.
Meanwhile, Jeffries didn’t play in the NBA during the regular season. But the 25-year-old guard made two short appearances in the playoffs for New York after thriving with the G League’s Westchester Knicks. Jeffries scored 20 points in 21 minutes during his lone Summer League appearance.
Who Are Some Free Agent Options for New York?
Shooting was an issue for New York. Adding DiVincenzo and having Hart will help that department, but the Knicks could still add a sharpshooter. They also need to share the ball and defend the three-point line better. Regarding positional needs, a veteran backup wing and power forward are likely on their wish list.
New York still has its bi-annual exception ($4.5 million), so they could still make a play for Kelly Oubre Jr. or Christian Wood. Both players are linked to many other teams. The Knicks could also try to sign or acquire (via-sign-and-trade) P.J. Washington.
Here are some other options for the Knicks.
Taj Gibson
According to Katz, Taj Gibson could still return to Washington. Gibson is certainly past his prime. But the 38-year-old big man has previously played in New York and is a favorite of Tom Thibodeau. He can also fill in if needed and be a physical force on defense.
Derrick Jones Jr.
Derrick Jones Jr. may have made a mistake by opting out of his $3.3 million player option with the Chicago Bulls, given that he remains unsigned. Jones is an athletic wing who can also play power forward and center. He is a slasher who loves to finish above the rim and can block shots. However, defense is his best attribute.
Jones is a rotational player though he is coming off a season where he didn’t see many minutes. In 64 appearances for the Bulls, Jones compiled 5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the floor in less than 15 minutes.
Hamidou Diallo
Hamidou Diallo is a slasher who loves to finish at the rim. The 24-year-old wing is a capable scorer and defender. Like Jones, Diallo struggles from the three-point line. Diallo has played well over the past two-plus seasons for Detroit, compiling 10.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 51.9% from the field.
Terence Davis
Terence Davis is a shooter off the bench known to be feisty on the defensive end. The six-foot-four shooting guard doesn’t necessarily fit the Knicks due to his size, but he is a solid shooter from deep. He is coming off a disappointing campaign in 2022-23, compiling 6.7 points in a career-low 13.4 minutes for the Sacramento Kings.
PJ Dozier
PJ Dozier played well for the Denver Nuggets before tearing his ACL in December 2021. Since the injury, he has only seen limited time in 16 appearances for Sacramento. But if he can get back to playing defense as he did before tearing his ACL, Dozier would be a valuable rotational piece for the Knicks.
Danny Green
Like Dozier, Danny Green spent this past season returning from an ACL injury and didn’t play until February. Green was productive during the eight regular season contests for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 6.5 points and 1.6 threes on 5o% shooting from the field and 44.8% from the three-point line. However, he struggled in his four playoff appearances. While unlikely capable of playing a ton of minutes, the 36-year-old wing can still shoot it from deep and defend.
Lance Stephenson
Lance Stephenson is only included here because he told New York Post’s Tashara Jones that he plans to make a comeback and wants to play in New York for the Knicks or Nets.
“I think it is time for a New York team. I want to play for the Nets or the Knicks, either one would do.”
Stephenson played reasonably well in 40 appearances for Indiana in 2021-22 but could not secure a job in the NBA last season. He played four games in the spring with the Puerto Rican club Leones de Ponce where he struggled. In the short stint, Stephenson produced 20.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 4.0 turnovers while shooting 44.1% from the field and 21.7% from the three-point line.
Analysis
New York has the resources and assets to improve their roster. The Knicks may be content with allowing Roby and Jeffries to compete for a roster spot in training camp with Jacob Toppin, who is on an Exhibit 10 deal.
Wood and Oubre would help the Knicks if there were mutual interest. But the most intriguing potential move is the Knicks working out a deal to get Washington to the Big Apple. Washington is capable of handling both frontcourt positions and can shoot. Plus, the Knicks wouldn’t lose much if Robinson or Julius Randle went down with an injury for a substantial time.
Jones and Diallo make the most sense in terms of the other players. Green and Gibson would be valuable for the Knicks, mainly in the locker room. The Knicks should run the other way if Stephenson shows up at the facility.
