Kathy Willens / Associated Press
The New York Knicks are under pressure to splash out of season after failing to land one of the big names available last summer.
Although the free agent market is leaner than it was in the summer of 2019, the Eastern Conference portion could still get a significant update in the form of Fred VanVleet. The Toronto Raptors guard is reportedly arousing interest from the Knicks, who must first hire a new head coach.
Tom Thibodeau is among the high profile names in the mix for the job, and if the rental works, the Knicks could start climbing the rankings.
The latest news about the Knicks
Fred VanVleet
John Hollinger of Athletic reported having “heard his Knicks name” in relation to VanVleet.
If he chose to leave Toronto as an unrestricted free agent, the 26-year-old would be the market’s top guard.
This would bring the Knicks into a situation similar to 2019 as a possible contender for a better free agent but perhaps not the favorite. New York doesn’t have much to offer in terms of supporting cast for VanVleet, but it could add a marquee NBA design perspective to the young core chaired by RJ Barrett.
If the Knicks attracted VanVleet, their attention to draft would likely shift from the group of point guards led by LaMelo Ball and Cole Anthony. In that situation, the Knicks could land Onyeka Okongwu, Isaac Okoro or Obi Toppin to provide more scores from across the formation.
One of the main factors to consider in potential negotiations is the duration of an agreement that VanVleet is willing to sign. He signed a two-year contract with Toronto in 2018 and admitted that in April he may be more willing to make a short-term deal if the free agent market is significantly influenced financially, according to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg.
Regardless of its possible contract term, the Knicks may find it difficult to lure VanVleet to Madison Square Garden if other more intriguing options arise. VanVleet is in the midst of a better season in his career with 17.6 points per game, and if a team in a better position to qualify for the playoffs emerges in the race for his signature, the Knicks may be closed again.
Coaching research update
Stadium Shams Charania reported that the search for Knicks coaches is “11 deep coaches”, with Thibodeau listed as a favorite.
“Tom Thibodeau, they told me, is still the favorite for head coaching, but they are doing their due diligence with a guy like Jason Kidd,” said Charania. “Mike Brown is on that list. Mike Woodson. This is an example of Leon Rose, the new president of New York, who is doing due diligence and bringing as many people as possible.”
62-year-old Thibodeau has had some success with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, but has failed to make a significant mark in the playoffs. This may be worrying for the Knicks, but they are still within walking distance of contention to win a post-season streak.
If Knicks’ experience appreciates, Thibodeau may be the best candidate given his ability to bring bulls and wolves to the post season. But if the Knicks prefer a younger manager, Kidd may have been the best candidate since he was 47, has some experience as a manager and spent this season as an assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers.
If they appreciate the championship experience on everything, Mike Brown could be the first place, as he has some titles as assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors and led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA finals.
Regardless of the coach chosen, he faces a difficult task to attract high-level free agents and transform the role of a team without playoffs into a competitor.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @ JTansey90. Statistics obtained from the Basketball Reference.
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