The New York Knicks could continue to look at free agents for the end of the roster this summer, as players like Josh Smith, Kendrick Perkins, JaVale McGee, Darrell Arthur, Dorell Wright, John Jenkins, Justin Hamilton and Greg Stiemsma are available. Alexey Shved is another target, but he may head to Europe over signing in NY, while Alex Kirk and Ricky Ledo have impressed in the Summer League and could push to make the roster.
The Knicks did miss on the major names in free agency like Greg Monroe and DeAndre Jordan, but Phil Jackson responded with some solid moves that could improve the overall roster. Jackson added Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams as free agent and he also acquired Kyle O'Quinn in a sign and trade with the Magic. The team still has room to make additions in free agency, as the Knicks have a $2.8 million exception to use.
UPDATE: "Alexey Shved Signs With BC Khimki" per RealGM. UPDATE: Josh Smith has signed with the Clippers.
According to Ian Begley at ESPN New York, the Knicks have been interested in bringing back Shved after acquiring him in a trade last season, but it's looking "unlikely at this point," per Shved's agent. Shved appeared in 26 games last season for the Knicks and averaged 14 points, 3.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds. Begley writes that the Knicks have 11 players with guaranteed contracts and they are projected to have three open roster spots moving forward if Shved doesn't come back.
Cole Aldrich has signed with the Clippers and Begley mentioned Josh Smith, Greg Stiemsma, Kendrick Perkins, John Jenkins and JaVale McGee as veteran free agent options for the Knicks. ESPN NY reports that Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Ricky Ledo are going to get consideration for roster spots this summer with the way they have looked, while Alex Kirk has also impressed.
The Knicks could consider hanging on to Kirk if the team does not want to sign a free agent, as he has been solid while playing in the summer league, adding 10 points and seven rebounds after coming in against the Lakers in Las Vegas. According to the Albuquerque Journal, Kirk had an invitation to training camp with the Cavaliers last season and he previously played with the Grizzlies this year in the summer league. Kirk made the roster and later was traded out of the D-League to the Knicks, who released him. Now Kirk could have the chance to stick around if they want to add a backup center.
The Knicks are hoping to show some improvement this year and so far Jackson has made some solid moves in free agency and the draft. The Knicks have taken some criticism for not snagging players like Greg Monroe or LaMarcus Aldridge, but Jackson has made improvements and it should help the Knicks. David Aldridge at NBA.com made a point, writing on Twitter that if a "generic" NBA team signed Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams and also drafted Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant, people would see that as an impressive offseason.
The Knicks success likely will hinge on the health of Carmelo Anthony and whether he can return from his knee surgery and play a full schedule. The team tanked last year and ended up with Porzingis and it comes as Jackson thinks he could be a great pro, but he likely needs a couple years to develop.
Check here for more on the Knicks free agent options, Alexey Shved's future, the summer league team and performance by rookies like Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant.
