The New York Knicks' chances at getting the No. 1 overall pick are good, but not great. After the team failed to finish with the worst record in the league, their percentage of getting that top pick fell as well. Now, New York will prioritize their spending in free agency to help make up for the fact they could potentially miss out on players like Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns. With almost $25 million to spend, Phil Jackson is preparing to get creative this offseason.
According to Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com, Jackson is willing to listen to offers a number of players including Jose Calderon, Tim Hardaway Jr and potentially Langston Galloway. While those players could be on the chopping block, Begley reports that players like Cleanthony Early and Andrea Bargnani could be safe from elimination after they put on strong finishes to end the season. So who gets added to the bunch?
The New York Daily News is reporting that Greg Monroe is prepared to sit down with Jackson once free agency begins, but is not guaranteeing a deal gets done. Monroe is ready to leave the Detroit Pistons that much is clear. The center is on a number of team's wishlists heading into the offseason and he is likely leaning towards money over anything else. Jackson has had an eye on Monroe for some time now. The team attempted to get him as a restricted free agent, but the deal died down. Now would be the time the Knicks could really get the elite defender they have been aiming for.
"If they're interested, I'm going to (listen)," Monroe said, via the New York Daily News. "Like I said, it hasn't crossed my mind. I know somebody else might have wrote something, but I had nothing to do with what was written."
Along with Monroe, players like Rajon Rondo and potentially Kevin Love are priorities for New York. Atlanta Hawks' forward DeMarre Carroll has expressed interest in a contract with New York. According to the New York Post, trades for players like DeMarcus Cousins or Brandon Jennings could end up being something Jackson explores. The Sacramento Kings have made it clear that everyone is available for deals, including Cousins while the Detroit Pistons are aiming to re-sign Reggie Jackson which could leave Jennings on the trade block. Jackson will get creative in trades and contracts. With Carmelo Anthony set to return healthy, things could be looking up for New York.
