The New York Knicks are off to a bad start in 2013, but the future could be very bright for the franchise in free agency, as reports have the team going after Kevin Love when he hits free agency in 2015 and while that is a long ways away, it's something Knicks fans have been dreaming about.
According to Yahoo Sports, Love is a free agent in 2015, which comes after Anthony and LeBron James could hit the market and by that time, the team will have plenty of room under the cap to make a move, as they either will have re-signed Anthony, or he will leave for the Lakers in 2014. On top of that, the team will have Amar'e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Andrea Bargnani off the books by that time. The Knicks feel that Love is one of the foundational players in the NBA going forward over the next decade and while the team wants to keep Anthony, if he leaves in 2014, they will be even more motivated to sign a big star.
This is a typical James Dolan type move, as the team could toss money at Love and on top of that, Love looks like he will be willing to leave, as the Wolves have not been able to get things together so far during his time there. Derrick Williams could be moved in a deal to get some more talent, but that will depend on how the team plays this season. The Knicks will try to keep Anthony going forward and they would like to build with him and Love in the fold, as well as another potential building block player.
The Knicks should have the space to make a move at that point if things go according to plan, as Carmelo Anthony should be the only major salary commitment for the team that summer, meaning Love could be just one of a number of free agent targets. Love has developed into one of the best rebounders and low post players in the league and while he signed an extension with the Wolves, chances are he will sign a max contract elsewhere as a free agent after coming up in trade rumors each of the past few seasons.
Love is a double-double machine and he is a player the Knicks would love to build around since he is young and extremely productive. The Knicks have not been off to a great start this season and major changed could be coming if they end up as one of the mediocre teams in the east come playoff time. The Knicks will have plenty of money to spend and with Love averaging 17.6 points and 12 rebounds as his career numbers, they will be willing to spend on him with a big contract. Love is an All-pro and all star player and he has averaged a double-double in three of the past four seasons, although last year he was limited to just 18 games while dealing with an injury and now he looks like the best free agent option in 2015 among that class for the Knicks.