The future could be very bright for the New York Knicks despite how ugly this season is going for the franchise. Free agency is the light at the end of the tunnel and Phil Jackson and company intend to make the most of it. With money to spend, the wishlist for the Knicks looks pretty marquee as the team prepares to build around Carmelo Anthony for the future. So who becomes a priority and who is Plan B for the team?
According to the New York Post, pulling Kevin Love away from Cleveland will be a priority. Love's relationship with the Cavaliers is uncertain. When the team traded two former No. 1 draft picks to acquire the forward, it was reported there was verbal agreement that he would re-sign in free agency. However, regardless if that is true, Love is a free agent at the end of the season when his contract expires. He could easily turn his back to Cleveland and head elsewhere. The Cavaliers will offer a max deal, but Love has struggled to fit in which could factor into his decision.
The Knicks can easily afford a max deal for Love. According to Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops, Marc Gasol will not be an option for the Knicks. The Memphis Grizzlies intend to keep him around and keep him paid. The door is open for Love to join up with Anthony. The forward has hinted that playing in Madison Square Garden has been a dream of his, but maintains that the Cavaliers are his priority right now.
The issue could be the interest in Rajon Rondo. The Knicks are also eyeing the point guard with a top deal. They cannot afford to give Love and Rondo a top deal, so who gets priority? Would Rondo agree to less money? The Knicks are aware they need point guard options. Goran Dragic and Reggie Jackson would be cheaper to acquire and possibly just as talented.
The Knicks have a lot of money to work with, but that could cause issues in determining who is the best fit. Would LaMarcus Aldridge be easier to get than Love? Is Greg Monroe a better option than Roy Hibbert? Jackson has a lot of work to put in, but regardless Knicks fans should be excited for the next season.
