With Reggie Bullock and Alec Burks prepared to hit the open market, the New York Knicks will be looking to add a few more sharpshooters to the roster. With $50+ million in funds available this free agency, it is imperative they bolster the team with high percentage shooters who can replicate the production of Bullock and Burks if the team doesn’t consider retaining them.
After starting the first half of the season ranking in the bottom of the league in three-point percentage, the Knicks dominated the second half, hitting a 39.2% clip, best for third in the NBA. In terms of attempts per game, they ranked at the bottom of the barrel at 29.9, so their completion percentage is a bit skewed due to a lack of sample size compared to the rest of the league.
Considering the NBA has leaned toward a sharpshooting mindset, I anticipate the Knicks looking to be more prominent in the category, which could lead them to a few different options this off-season.
Two shooters the Knicks could consider in free agency:
1.) Evan Fournier
One option is Evan Fournier, who was traded to the Boston Celtics this past season after spending the last six years with the Orlando Magic. Over 42 total games, he averaged 17.1 points, 3.4 assists, and shot nearly 46% from the field. His most impressive number was from downtown, connecting on 41% of his shots over 6.7 attempts per game. With such a high success rate from three-point land, he might offer the Knicks a great shooting guard and small forward combo as a free agent.
Fournier is coming off a five-year, $85 million deal, and at 28 years old, will probably be looking to cash in one last time. New York might be able to land him on a 2/3 year deal averaging in the $15 million range, similar to his former contract. Of course, this is a bit pricey for a replacement, considering the Knicks dished out just 4.1 million per season for Reggie Bullock. They might be better off retaining the 30 year old small forward alternatively.
2.) Danny Green
Another intriguing sharpshooter is Danny Green, who spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers at 33 years old. Green is coming off a two-year, $30 million deal, but at 33 years old, will likely come in at less than $15 million per season. He averaged only 9.5 points this past year with Philly over 69 total games. However, he did connect on 40% of his shots from deep, attempting 6.3 per game.
As a traditionally effective three-point shooter, Green also averaged a career-high 1.3 steals, showcasing his savvy veteran nature and abilities on defense. Playing 28 minutes, the Knicks could utilize him appropriately while spreading the floor with some of their younger options in addition. He has the ability to play both shooting guard and small forward.
Who would you prefer if the Knicks were looking at both of these options? Fournier or Green? Comment below!