The New York Knicks are expected to pursue pending unrestricted free agent Kyle Lowry this offseason, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
The Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers were all looking to deal for the six-time All-Star at the trade deadline, but the Toronto Raptors ultimately decided to hang onto their franchise point guard for the rest of this season.
Begley also noted that the Knicks are one of several teams eyeing Damian Lillard‘s situation with the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard has stated many times in the past that he prefers to stay in Portland, but another early playoff exit and the allure of playing at Madison Square Garden could change the superstar guard’s mind.
If the Knicks can realistically land Lillard, then they need to do everything they can to make that happen.
Per Begley, some other targets include Dennis Schroder and Lonzo Ball. Ball will be a restricted free agent this offseason, however, so it’d take a massive offer or a potential sign-and-trade to get him out of New Orleans.
Both Elfrid Payton and Derrick Rose will be free agents this offseason. Rose has been playing super well off the bench in his third stint playing under Tom Thibodeau, so it’s reasonable to assume that Rose will want to stick around for the long haul. Payton, however, will probably not be back if the Knicks can land any one of these point guards.
