The New York Knicks did not get the home run free agent they were hoping for this year. The team had their sights set very high with Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre Jordan as their intended targets. None of those deals came through leaving New York to go into Plan B and Plan C mode in free agency. While Phil Jackson was able to get a lot of smart contracts into place, was it enough to save room for a top star in 2016?
The Knicks brought on both Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant who they hope are long-term stars. Outside of those two players, there are questions marks. Both Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams signed just two-year deal with the second year being a player option. If either players have strong seasons, they could opt out and seek raises when the salary cap is higher. That would free up a great deal of space. However, for now the Knicks have $67.9 million owed to players in 2016 with six under guaranteed contracts. The team could have upwards of $18.9 million to spend in free agency which might not be enough to get a max-contract player.
According to Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com, the Knicks are targeting players like Kevin Durant, Mike Conley and Al Horford in 2016, but might not have the money to offer them depending on what happens with player options. If the Knicks' roster does not compete this year, it will not compete the year after and that could be the biggest threat to not landing a top free agent.
Jackson told the media that the Knicks did not get big names this offseason because they did not win last year. The team has been counting on the star power of Carmelo Anthony, but his struggles paired with injuries diminished the light shining on the Knicks. If that were to happen again, the franchise could be in trouble.
"We need to win, be a competitive team," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "I think we showed agents and players around the league a serious nature of what we're trying to accomplish. People who know basketball will recognize that, and we'll have people who want to come here."
Jackson made it clear that he will not be discussing free agent moves with Carmelo Anthony and he will not be happy if the team must settle for second-tier free agents again in the coming offseason. Most of that will depend on how Anthony and the rest of the young roster plays out for the Knicks.
