The New York Knicks had a successful season based on the recent history of the franchise, but after coming into the playoffs with expectations of taking on the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals, the team is back to the drawing board as free agency approaches.
The team has a number of questions to consider as the summer comes, including whether to re-sign Chris Copeland, J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin back with the team, as well as looking at the possibility of making trades, including with Amare Stoudemire. The team has the 24th pick in the draft and they have to keep it, meaning the best way for the team to add talent to the roster is through smart moves in free agency, including using the taxpayers' mid-level exception and minimum-salary contracts.
One player that could be an interesting option for the Knicks is Nate Robinson, a player they drafted and developed before getting rid of and now after he played so well for the Bulls in the playoffs, he could be back in a NY uniform. Robinson played for the Knicks for four-plus seasons before being traded to the Boston Celtics and for a time he was one of the most exciting players on the team averaging 12.5 points, 2.8 assists and one steal per game. He played very well for the Bulls in the playoffs after the team lost both Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich to injuries and he averaged 16.3 points and 4.4 assists in 12 postseason games and he helped the Bulls defeat the Heat in Game 1.
Robinson proved that he can be a reliable player in the playoffs and that will make him a targeted free agent for many teams, especially since his salary won't likely be too bad for the Knicks. Robinson might be the best option after Jason Kidd retired as there aren't too many great choices on the free agent market and depending on what Smith asks for, Robinson could step in nicely. Some names that could be available at the point includes Aaron Brooks, Will Bynum, A.J. Price and Sebastian Telfair and the Knicks could try and add one of those pieces as well.
Barnes could also be an interesting option, as he is looking like he will sign back with the Clippers, but there is a chance the new coach could change things for him. Barnes played in NY back in the day and he could be a perfect piece alongside Carmelo Anthony and after playing with Chris Paul he knows what it's like to be in an explosive offense. Barnes likely won't cost too much, which is attractive for the Knicks and they also need more toughness on defense. The team has a number of options to go for and after losing to the Indiana Pacers in six games, they have some major issues to figure out with the roster.