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New York Knicks News: Two Houston Rockets Contacted To Start NBA Free Agency

By Kenneth Teape

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New York Knicks News: The Knicks have had a busy start to their free agency period. In addition to meeting with Greg Monroe, the Knicks also made contact with two Houston Rocket free agents in Patrick Beverley and Corey Brewer.

The New York Knicks are in for a busy free agency period, and they didn’t waste any time getting down to work. While the Knicks are rumored to be interested in a number of people, as they are armed with a ton of cap space, they have made contact with two. Coincidentally, both are from the Houston Rockets, as the Knicks made contact with swing man Corey Brewer and point guard Patrick Beverley.

Brewer was a member of the Knicks for about 10 minutes back in 2011, as he came over in the Carmelo Anthony megatrade. But, he was released shortly after and signed by the Dallas Mavericks, where he won an NBA title. He was then traded again to the Denver Nuggets, and signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves after that, where he began his NBA career at. He was then traded to the Rockets this past trade deadline, and is no free to sign where he wants once again.

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With the Knicks, he would present a great backup option to Anthony at small forward. Having a capable backup for Anthony has been something the Knicks have looked for since acquiring him, and could fill that void with Brewer. He could also play next to Anthony when the Knicks go a little smaller and use Anthony at power forward. He is a strong defender, which is something the Knicks could really use.

He is also extremely athletic, which could help the Knicks get easy baskets in transition and on the fast break. While he may not be the greatest shooter, his skill set could fit well with the Knicks because of his play off the ball. He is a solid cutter and slasher, something that helps in the Triangle offense. He would be a solid addition, but the Knicks are not the only team interested in Brewer, as the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets have both already talked with him as well.

In Beverley, the Knicks would be getting the quintessential point guard for the system they run. With how Phil Jackson wants the team to run the Triangle Offense, a ball-dominating point guard is not needed. Instead, one that can knock down an open three-pointer and play defense fits the bill; sounds a little like Knicks’ head coach Derek Fisher, who made a living doing both when he played for Jackson on the Lakers.

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Because of that, the Knicks have decided to get a jump on the field, and made an early push for Beverley. The Knicks will not be alone though, as Beverley has also heard from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks already, in addition to the Rockets.

One hurdle that the Knicks, and any team pursuing Beverley for that matter, will have is that he is a restricted free agent. That means that the Rockets will have a chance to match any offer sheet that Beverley may sign with another team.

Beverley is one of the best defensive point guards in the league, and would immediately upgrade the Knicks in that area on the perimeter, where they have struggled in recent seasons with Raymond Felton and Jose Calderon being turnstiles. His 36.1 career percent from deep is also solid for what the Knicks need from their point guard.

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The Rockets want to keep Beverley though, who averaged 10.1 points and 3.4 assists per game last season before a wrist injury cut it short and became their starting point guard. But, GM Daryl Morey prizes salary flexibility. The Knicks could use that to their advantage and give Beverley a head turning contract, much like the Rockets did to them three years ago with Jeremy Lin. Could karma come back to bite the Rockets and land Beverley in the Big Apple?

The Knicks are armed with the cap space this summer, and with the expected salary cap jump in a couple of seasons, an overpay now may not look so bad in a short period of time.

Next: New York Knicks Free Agency Predictions

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