It’s safe to say basketball is back in the city of New York, especially after the team’s first postseason appearance since 2013. The team has a solid foundation built around reigning “Most Improved Player of the Year” Julius Randle, but there’s always room for improvement.
Despite a not-so-great free agency class, the Knicks are still atop the headlines and are in the mix for some of the better players available this offseason. Spencer Dinwiddie is a name that has been talked about a lot and “at least one key decision-maker for New York has embraced the idea” of signing the Nets guard, per Ian Begley.
The Knicks are also known to be among several teams interested in acquiring Damian Lillard, should he want out of Portland. In the off chance that he does become available for trade, the Knicks “continue to be cited in league circles as perhaps the most likely destination” for the Blazers star, per Marc Stein.
SNY’s Ian Begley added that teams monitoring the Lillard situation and DeMar DeRozan’s free agency expect New York to pursue DeRozan if the team acquires Lillard. Despite DeRozan’s strong interest to play for his hometown Lakers, the Knicks most certainly can offer more money and if they had Lillard, it gives DeRozan a chance to make a formidable duo out in the eastern conference.
Even if the Knicks don’t land Lillard, many believe that DeRozan will be pursued by New York simply because of his ability to create shots.
“DeRozan can certainly generate offense on his own. Given the Knicks’ need for shot creators, it’s entirely plausible that New York would consider signing DeRozan whether or not they trade for Lillard.” – SNY’s Ian Begley
All eyes are on the Knicks as many expect the team to have a strong offseason and make a serious push in an eastern conference that seems tighter than it looks.
