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New York Knicks Rumors: Arron Afflalo, Derrick Williams Update

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23), guard Arron Afflalo (4) and guard Jose Calderon (3) celebrate against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23), guard Arron Afflalo (4) and guard Jose Calderon (3) celebrate against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recent New York Knicks rumors are revolving around potential free agents Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams, as the question remains if they will opt in or out for next season.

New York Knicks rumors are about to pick up. With the regular season ending on Tuesday with a loss to the Indiana Pacers, the attention will now shift to the offseason. It will be a busy offseason for the Knicks, as they will be looking for a new head coach and will attempt to upgrade the roster in free agency. Without a first round draft pick, free agency is the only avenue the Knicks have this summer of upgrading the talent on the team.

How much money the Knicks have to spend on said talent will come down to a number of decisions, the biggest of which come down to two player; Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams. Both players signed two-year deals last offseason that possessed player-options for the second season. Whether or not they exercise those options will be a big factor in the Knicks offseason.

Afflalo is due $8 million next season if he picks up his option, while Williams’ option is worth just under $4.6 million. If they both decline their options, the Knicks will have enough cap space to offer a player a max contract. Will they be declining their options?

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It seems that Afflalo already has his foot out the door, and it is tough to blame him. While Affllao fell short a little bit of expectations, averaging 12.8 points per game, he probably did not deserve to be benched the final month of the season. Interim head coach Kurt Rambis decided that Afflalo was better suited off the bench, and there was some miscommunication through the media as Rambis said he talked to Afflalo about it, while Afflalo said the move was not discussed.

That will probably be a major factor for Afflalo this summer when he decides if he wants to return to the Knicks or not. Afflao is still supremely confident in himself, as he believes he is still one of the best two-way players in the NBA at the shooting guard position.

"“I still believe I’m one of the premier two guards in this league and part of being an elite two guard in this league is opportunity,” Afflalo tells ESPNNewYork.com. “You have to be in a certain environment where you can excel and show what you can do and hopefully that contributes to winning. And I still believe I’m that player so I’ll find the best opportunity for me whether it’s in New York or anywhere else.”"

While it is unlikely that Afflalo returns next season, Williams had a much more positive outlook on his time with the Knicks. While he still may opt out of his contract in hopes of landing a long-term deal with more money, it sounds like the Knicks are who he would hope it would be with.

“It really rejuvenated me, coming here and playing in a big market. You can really tell the difference in the fan base, in the atmosphere, the energy.” Williams told ESPNNewYork.com.

Williams had his struggles with the Knicks this season, but when given a chance he thrived. Despite playing the second lowest amount of minutes per game, Williams posted 9.3 points per game, the second highest of his career. That occurred in large part because Williams had the most efficient career of his season, shooting 45 percent from the field and 75.8 percent from the foul line. His 17.29 PER was the highest of his career, easily surpassing his previus career-high of 14.55 in his sophomore season.

Williams provided a spark for the Knicks off the bench, but also showed he can be productive in the starting lineup at either forward spot, upping his averages to 13.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in the starting five.

Next: Who Are The 30 Greatest Knicks Of All-Time?

If Williams is retained by the Knicks, expect him to once again fill the role as the Sixth Man and top scoring option off the bench, a role he looked comfortable and thrived in for the Knicks this past season.

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