The New York Knicks continue to make roster adjustments as they move forward in free agency. After missing out on all of their top picks, the Knicks are trying to build in as much depth as possible in order to see improvement in the upcoming season. With a limited amount of salary cap space to work with, the Knicks are left to target veterans on cheap contracts with a few big names still available.
According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the Knicks are finalizing a contract for Sasha Vujacic which will be worth the veteran's minimum. The guard has not been seen in the NBA for some time, but is very familiar with Phil Jackson's style of play having been with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2004 to 2011. At 31, he has been playing most of his basketball overseas, not gaining much interest from NBA teams.
The Knicks likely signed Vujacic to give them shooting on the perimeter. The guard is a career 37/1 percent 3-point shooter while thriving in the triangle offense with the Lakers. He adds veteran depth to the bench, but is still not guaranteed to make the final roster. The Knicks currently have 12 players signed to guaranteed contracts with two spots open. One of those is expected to potentially go to Carlos Boozer.
According to the New York Post, the Knicks are very interested in Boozer while the Lakers also eye the big man. With just Robin Lopez signed as the lone true center, Boozer would be an excellent reserve to have to pair with Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick Williams. Boozer is the size that the Knicks need moving forward.
There are trade options for the Knicks if they are willing to give up something small for a potentially big return. The Miami Heat are trying to trade away Chris Andersen while the Phoenix Suns are reportedly trying to move power forward Markieff Morris. It is unlikely that the Knicks make a move for either player simply because they really do not have anything they can give up in a trade deal. However, if Phil Jackson begins to feel panicked about the roster, he could try and offer up players like Jose Calderon in a deal if needed.
