The New York Knicks are getting ready to be very active in the upcoming offseason which starts with the NBA Draft and will be capped off by spending in free agency. While the Knicks have big needs at the point guard and center position, several players are eyeing the Big Apple as a landing spot in 2015 including a familiar face.
Knicks' fans sure remember Amar'e Stoudemire. The power forward was a cap casualty in team president Phil Jackson's first year with the team. Stoudemire had his contract bought out and eventually signed with the Dallas Mavericks. Now, Bleacher Report writer Jared Zwerling is reporting that Stoudemire is open to a return to the Knicks because he loves the triangle. After being released, the forward released a statement saying that he would always love the Knicks and the fanbase.
"I feel truly blessed to have been able to play for the incredible New York fans, Mr. Dolan, my coaches, teammates and the entire Knicks organization for the past five years," Stoudemire said, via a press release. "I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively on the court and in the community. Although I leave the Knicks with a heavy heart, I wish the organization the best of luck. Once a Knick always a Knick."
The chances Stoudemire returns to New York are slim. The Knicks need big men, but bringing back Andrea Bargnani could be more favorable than Stoudemire who never truly lived up to that max deal he signed in free agency. New York is also looking at players like Greg Monroe, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol to fill that void.
New York will also be working the trade market, especially heading into the draft. According to ESPN New York's Ian Begley, Jackson is impatient when it comes to rebuilding and wants established players to work with over developing prospects. That means shopping the No.4 pick to the highest bidder. According to ESPN's Chad Ford, one player of interest could be Eric Bledsoe with the Phoenix Suns who is reportedly looking to swap the No.13 pick with New York.
Bledsoe is entering the second year of a five-year, $70 million contract. That would be considered a steal once the salary cap increases. The Knicks need an elite point guard and while Emmanuel Mudiay and D'Angelo Russell are enticing, Bledsoe is the guaranteed home run. The Knicks have also been linked to a deal for Ty Lawson and potentially Brandon Jennings over signing players like Rajon Rondo or Goran Dragic.
The Knicks will consider a rookie point guard, but a trade down might be the favored move. Jackson is exploring all options heading into the draft, but if he can get a good deal for the No.4 pick, he will take it.