The New York Knicks are aware that while this season might be a struggle, 2015 is looking bright. The Knicks are preparing to have a large amount of salary cap space to work with and Phil Jackson and company are targeting some of the biggest names set to hit the market. However there are a few teams that will be in the same position as the Knicks in the offseason, so who will they go after if they miss out on their Plan A targets?
The Knicks lose a lot of size in the offseason, Both Amar'e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani are going to be free agents in 2015 and are not expected to return. Quincy Acy will be a restricted free agent and given the fact that the Knicks want as much salary cap space as possible, he likely will not be returning as well. The New York Post has already speculated that the Knicks want an elite center to add to the roster and there are several that will be available.
Marc Berman of the Post reported that the Knicks are very interested in both Marc Gasol and Greg Monroe next offseason. The Memphis Grizzlies have stated that they intend to try and keep Gasol for the long-term. It is unclear whether or not Gasol has the same intentions. He will want a top-dollar deal as his value continues to rise. Gasol is familiar with Jackson considering his brother, Pau, spent a long time under the coach. Gasol will have plenty of teams battling for his attention so signing to the Knicks is no guarantee.
Monroe is in the same boat. The center signed a one-year qualifying offer with the Detroit Pistons after the two sides failed to negotiate a long-term contract. Monroe has made it clear that he does intend to stick around in Detroit which is fine since plenty of teams are looking at him as one of the best young big men in the league. The Knicks would love to have his youth and defensive abilities and will be willing to offer him a big deal.
However, what if both of those pursuits come up short? Could the Knicks make a trade for someone like Brook Lopez. Berman notes that there is a very good chance the Brooklyn Nets opt to trade the center either at the mid-season deadline or in the offseason. Lopez has a player option in his contract for next season before hitting free agency. He could opt out and seek a bigger deal, something Brooklyn might not cave to considering the team is attempting to get their luxury tax issues handled. With the rise of Mason Plumlee, Lopez could be expendable and the Knicks could seek a deal if they feel their free agency options might not be available.
