Former Knicks center Tyson Chandler says the team has what it takes to attract a superstar free agent to New York.
"They have a chance to land a big-time free agent to pair with [Kristaps] Porzingis and after that I think it can happen real quick," Chandler said Tuesday at Barclays Center, where he, LeBron James and the Lakers lost to the Nets, 115-110. (New York Daily News). "I think you've got a good coach with a good personality and demeanor (David Fizdale), and then you've got a superstar player in Porzingis who I think a lot of players would love to play with.
"Before he got hurt, especially at the beginning of the season, he was having an MVP-type season. And again I think you've really got to go after one of those free agents and if you land it, again, it could just be a matter of time."
Kevin Durant figures to be at the top of the Knicks' list of targets. The Warriors forward has been rumored to have interest in signing with the Knicks this summer -- something former Knicks coach Derek Fisher recently predicted would happen. Durant is slated to have plenty of company in the big-name free-agent market with Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving, to name a few.
Chandler, who played three seasons with the Carmelo Anthony/Amar'e Stoudemire-led Knicks from 2011-14, said the foul stench left over from the Phil Jackson era has finally dissipated.
"They've got some good guys over there," Chandler said, according to the New York Post. "That always helps. The Knicks went through a tough time during the Phil Jackson era and before that was tough. When me, Melo and Amar'e were there it was fun."
As for ownership -- and James Dolan's recent indication that he'd be open to selling the Knicks -- Chandler came out on Dolan's side regarding reputation. After all, Dolan has been kind to Chandler by letting him use his plane to fly back and forth across the country to visit his mother, who has colon cancer.
"It just depends on how much influence the owners have over management or what you've heard about the locker room or what you've heard how the organization is run," Chandler said, per the Daily News. "But honestly, I don't think the Knicks have that problem. Dolan doesn't have any problem spending money to help his organization and help his players get in good situations."