All eyes will be on Leon Rose and the New York Knicks this offseason, as the team looks to finally turn the corner after years of struggles, having won just one playoff series in the last two decades.
The Knicks have plenty of flexibility to sign free agents or potentially trade for a disgruntled star, and according to a new report, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker could just be a possibility in the Big Apple.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the 23-year-old Booker is “the player to watch out for most” in terms of Knicks trade targets.
Booker, the Kentucky product, made his first All-Star Game this season, as he’s averaged 26.1 points per game while shooting 36.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Perhaps the one piece the Knicks need most is a guard who is a consistent scoring threat, which is something the current roster simply doesn’t have. Frank Ntilikina, Elfrid Payton, and Dennis Smith Jr. all offer different skillsets as the lead guard, but none of the are consistent shooters.
Booker, of course, fits that billing perfectly. Though he’s more of a shooting guard than a true point guard, his scoring would obviously be a huge plus for the Knicks. Over the past four seasons, Booker has averaged 22.1, 24.9, 26.6, and 26.1 points, respectively. He also had a 70-point effort during the 2016-17 campaign.
One huge factor for Knicks fans to keep in mind is that Booker is a former client of Rose, and the guard has previously discussed how close he is with the Knicks’ new team president.
“I think he’ll do unbelievable,’’ Booker said regarding Rose. “One of the most genuine guys I know. One of the most honest guys I know. So I’m happy for him in his new position. I think the Knicks are in really good hands.’’
The Knicks have plenty of roster decisions to make between now and the start of next season, with a plethora of veteran contract options that they can choose not to pick up, which would clear up considerable cap space.
If that happens, the Knicks could look to bring in a young super star via a trade, and Booker could be a perfect fit.