The New York Knicks mat add free agents moving into training camp and players like Josh Smith, Alexey Shved, John Jenkins, Kendrick Perkins, Justin Hamilton, Greg Stiemsma and Darrell Arthur are options on the market and this comes as Ricky Ledo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo are pushing for roster spots this summer to join Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant as the young core of NY for Phil Jackson.
The Knicks have added Arron Afflalo, Kyle O'Quinn, Robin Lopez and Derrick Williams this summer as Jackson reshapes the roster and there could be more moves on the way. The team has been connected to free agent Alexey Shved this offseason, while Marc Stein reports that Josh Smith could be an option after Andrea Bargnani signed with the Nets. According to Ian Begley at ESPN New York, Shved has been open to a return to the Knicks, but "at this point" it looks like a return is "unlikely" for the guard.
The Knicks just signed back Lance Thomas, so the team has a limited amount of roster spots moving forward and that could mean Shved does not return. According to ESPN NY, Shved has had interest from European teams and he also turned down a minimum deal from the Knicks. Begley writes that the Knicks have a $2.8 million exception to use and that could be their best move to try and get another free agent. The Knicks may not have offered the deal to Shved, as Begley writes that a "friend" said Shved would accept that deal.
Check here for more on the New York Knicks free agent moves, the potential interest in Josh Smith, Kendrick Perkins and Alexey Shved and more on the Summer League, Kristaps Porzingis and the chances of Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Ricky Ledo making the roster.
Smith has been having a hard time finding a team and that could lead him to be an option for the Knicks. The team will not overpay for Smith, but he could be a solid front line option on offense after his run with the Rockets last season. Smith has had interest from the Rockets, Clippers and Dallas Mavericks this summer, but those teams have all made moves that may make him redundant if they sign him. The Clippers have Paul Pierce and brought back DeAndre Jordan, while the Mavs made moves for Zaza Pachulia and are looking at JaVale McGee, Kevin Seraphin and Samuel Dalembert over Smith.
Shved played well for the Knicks last season in 26 games after coming over in a trade, going for 14 points and three assist with four rebounds per contest. The Knicks come in with Langston Galloway on a partially guaranteed deal and Begley writes that there are "three open roster spots" to play with for the Knicks right now. Begley added that both Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Ricky Ledo are "under consideration" for roster spots and that would leave just one left coming into camp.
The Knicks reportedly have "been in touch" with John Jenkins on the free agent market and he could be an option to add some outside shooting. Cole Aldrich has left for the Clippers and the Knicks now may try and add a backup big man to help replace him. Begley writes that players like Josh Smith, Kendrick Perkins, Justin Hamilton and Greg Stiemsma are available and could be considered as options. The Knicks have been happy with the play of Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant in the summer league and they could look at adding more behind those players.
