A few notes as we get closer to the draft and free agency:
It’s safe to assume that the Knicks have several different paths and contingency plans mapped out as they prepare for this truncated offseason.
Some scenarios probably include potential trades for Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook (if Houston makes Westbrook available).
Some scenarios probably include signing a young player like Christian Wood or a veteran like Carmelo Anthony.
Others involve taking on an undesirable contract with their cap space, as SNY has reported.
Most of the scenarios are contingent on what New York decides to do with their players on deals that aren’t fully guaranteed for next season (Bobby Portis, Wayne Ellington, Elfrid Payton, Reggie Bullock, Taj Gibson).
The decisions on those players will help determine how much cap space the Knicks have to spend on free agents.
The New York Post reported on Friday that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a player on the Knicks’ radar.
Another player to keep an eye on? Justin Holiday.
Some decision-makers continue to see Holiday as a player worth pursuing in free agency, per SNY sources.
Holiday, a 6-6 wing, played in New York in 2016-17. He’s also played for Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau in Chicago.
The 31-year-old would give New York a steadying, veteran presence in the locker room; he’s shown that he can impact winning on both ends of the floor.
Holiday is an unrestricted free agent and The Indianapolis Star reported that the Pacers have prioritized re-signing him. The paper reported in August that New York would have interest in Holiday.
Holiday’s market is unknown. New York will have the cap space to entice Holiday – or another veteran – to the Garden with a high value short-term contract.
Depending on other offseason moves, signing Holiday could indicate that New York wants to be competitive in 2020-21.
There is no consensus yet among teams and agents who are monitoring the Knicks’ offseason approach. Some believe they will look to compete next season; others predict they will operate with an eye toward the 2021 NBA Draft.