While the New York Knicks don’t have the sort of cap space to go after the big fish in NBA free agency 2023, they should have the flexibility to still add some impact players to bolster their bench and overall depth.
After taking a step back in their progress last season, the New York Knicks made serious headway over the last six months as they try and elevate into being a team with legitimate championship potential.
Related: Top 2023 NBA free agents – Best 100 available with positional breakdowns
This season they saw young players like Mitchell Robinson, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, and Miles McBride solidify key roles in the starting lineup and on the bench. Julius Randle recaptured his All-NBA form from a couple of seasons ago. And Jalen Brunson turned into the best free-agent addition for any team this season.
The New York Knicks now enter the offseason as a team just a few pieces away from being a title contender after reaching the semifinals of the NBA playoffs in May. While they are likely to be aggressive in trying to find another star player, that will only happen in a trade and not free agency.
However, if they make certain moves — like trading Evan Fournier — they should have the salary cap space to add players that can be important toward taking another step forward in 2023-2024. With that in mind, here are five players the New York Knicks could target this summer in NBA free agency.
Grant Williams
Boston Celtics 3-and-D specialist Grant Williams is a player the New York Knicks could definitely inquire about this summer. It is possible the team trades former first-round pick Obi Toppin this summer, which would mean they have an opening at forward on the bench.
Williams’ style of play would go over well in New York and in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive-minded system. Plus, he would give them another knockdown shooter off the bench and a nice piece Thibodeau could use in various ways in the rotation and even at the end of games, mattering on the opponent.
Gabe Vincent
Miami Heat point guard Gabe Vincent has made a name for himself this season. With Kyle Lowry in a steep age-related decline, the undrafted talent made the most of the opening and was able to take over the starting point guard job for a team that reached the NBA Finals.
If he is open to a well-paid reserve role, a combo of Vincent and Quickley could be absolute dynamite off the bench. Since both can fill it up and have a penchant for making difficult shots.
Josh Hart
Without a doubt, Josh Hart will be a priority for the Knicks this summer. He played a massive role in their strong finish to the season and success in the postseason as he became a perfect fit for Thibodeau’s system. Furthermore, the New York fanbase fell in love with the Villanova alum’s heart (no pun intended) and defensive passion.
If the New York Knicks want to maintain their level of play in the postseason, they must re-sign Hart this summer.
Patrick Beverley
Patrick Beverley has made a career of going to teams and making an impact. With the Knicks having a need for a backup point guard and player that can hit shots in big moments, Beverley would be a perfect fit for the team. Plus, his style of play is a perfect fit for the city and Thibodeau’s system.
Bruce Brown
Like Gabe Vincent, Bruce Brown has earned himself a very good contract in NBA free agency with his play during the season and playoffs for the Denver Nuggets. He plays very big for his size and is a Swiss army knife of a player that the Knicks’ head coach could use in various ways. He would be a great addition to improve the bench and would come at an affordable rate for New York this summer.
