The New York Knicks may look at adding some more free agents this summer, as players like Alexey Shved, Caron Butler, John Jenkins, Dorell Wright, Norris Cole and Kevin Seraphin could be potential options for Phil Jackson along with the return of Andrea Bargnani and this comes as Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Ricky Ledo may battle for a roster spot.
The Knicks have been fairly active in free agency this summer and while they have not signed any major names like LaMarcus Aldridge or DeAndre Jordan, they have made some strong moves. The team signed Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams and also added Kyle O'Quinn in a trade and now they could add more to the bench. The team has limited money to spend, but according to ESPN New York, the team has about $3 million to use as an "under-the-cap" team that has "reached the cap benchmark."
According to NJ.com, the Knicks may look at some reserve options on the market, including Alexey Shved, Caron Butler, John Jenkins and Dorell Wright. The team also reportedly could look at bringing back Andrea Bargnani, but right now that is not a priority for Phil Jackson. The New York Post reported earlier in the summer that the Knicks were interested in bringing back Alexey Shved in free agency. Shved was acquired last season and was solid for the team, averaging 16 points in March and 10 points overall during the season. UPDATE: Caron Butler has signed with the Kings.
The Knicks have Jerian Grant as well as Langston Galloway, but former NBA exec Bobby Marks writes that the team has needs at backup point guard, shooting guard and power forward heading into the middle of July. The Knicks roster is mostly filled out, but the team has some areas they can add to. The team has been happy with the play of Grant this summer and he could push the team to eventually trade Jose Calderon this season at some point. The team also is hopeful that rookie Kristaps Porzingis can play this summer after dealing with a hip injury.
NJ.com reports that the Knicks have had interest in Butler on the market, while Ian Begley at ESPN NY reports that the team also is looking at John Jenkins. Jenkins is getting some attentyion now with the free agent market drying up and Begley writes that the team could use him as a three point shooter. The Knicks were ranked in the bottom half of the league in three point shooting percentage last season and that could make Jenkins an option.
The Knicks summer league roster is pretty important, as the team is trying to see who will end up coming into camp to make the main NBA roster this season. According to ESPN NY, Thanasis Antetokounmpo's agent said that the Greek prospect "isn't interested in spending another season in the D-League" and that could force the Knicks to make a decision. The team has Ricky Ledo and Antetokounmpo playing this summer and depending on who plays better could determine what Jackson does. Shved likely will get another look, as Frank Isola wrote earlier in the season that he is one player that has a strong understanding of the Triangle offense.
Check here for more on the Knicks interest in bringing back Bargnani, free agents like John Jenkins, Caron Butler, Alexey Shved and other options for Phil Jackson, the interest in bringing in Alexey Shved and also the news about Antetokounmpo
