The New York Knicks have an abundance of cap space this offseason, and once again, they're going after all of the top names in hopes of turning themselves into a playoff team and potential title contender. Here's all the latest surrounding their plans this offseason:
Knicks to pursue Joakim Noah?
Noah has reportedly told his Bulls teammates that he will not re-sign with the team as a free agent this offseason, and according to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck, the Knicks are making the former Defensive Player of the Year one of their top targets:
LRT: If Noah's leaving Bulls, expect Knicks to make a strong pitch. Phil Jackson and Noah have a rapport. And Noah has NY roots.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) May 25, 2016
Much depends, of course, on whether Noah still sees himself as a fulltime starter. Knicks have RoLopez, but Noah would be a great 3rd big.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) May 25, 2016
Noah averaged 4.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in just 23 games last season.
Batum also a target?
Nicolas Batum will be one of the most coveted shooting guards on the open market this offseason, and New York figures to be one of the teams interested in him. Maxwell Ogden of Daily Knicks thinks Batum would be a perfect fit:
No shooting guard would better fit the New York Knicks—with or without Jeff Hornacek—than Nicolas Batum. He’s versatile on both ends of the floor, defending multiple positions and playing a multitude of roles offensively.
In an offense that’d cater to his strengths, Batum could help transform the Knicks back into a postseason-caliber team.
Batum isn’t the type of player who’d come in and lead the Knicks in scoring, but he’d make a positive impact in every phase of the game.
Conley still priority No. 1
However, as has been the case all year, Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley is still New York's top target - even with Hornacek in place as head coach. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Conley will depart the aging and diminished Grizzlies, and New York is prepared to throw a ton of money at him to fill their desperate need for a point guard.
Possible trade for Rubio?
If they don't land Conley, they could make a trade for Ricky Rubio. This year's free agency class is thin at the point guard position, and Minnesota is poised to get rid of Rubio to create more playing time for their young core.
Plus, they've been heavily linked to Providence PG Kris Dunn with the No. 5 pick in the draft. If they get him, Rubio will be made available. Expect New York to pursue that, as they did last year.
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