New York Knicks Rumors: Travis Outlaw To Be Released?
Coming into the preseason, it was assumed that the New York Knicks roster was pretty much set. After completing a trade with the Sacramento Kings that netted the Knicks Travis Outlaw and Quincy Acy, two guaranteed contracts, that assumption was safe. But you know what they say when you assume, and it happened this time again because it seems that the Knicks may be making another roster move. There are some rumblings that the Knicks will release Outlaw and his $3 million contract in favor of one of their young standouts from summer league. Would this be a good decision for the Knicks?
The player in question is rookie Travis Wear. Wear, who signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA, turned some heads in training camp and during the preseason. He was one of the players to take advantage of the injury to Andrea Bargnani, as playing time was opened up and he made the most of it.
Oct 8, 2014; Hartford, CT, USA; Boston Celtics center
Jared Sullinger(7) works for the ball against New York Knicks forward Travis Wear (6) in the second half at XL Center. The Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 106-86. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
This would be something out of the norm for the Knicks, as they haven’t developed much young talent in recent seasons. The most recent name that comes to memory is Landry Fields, who was a flash in the pan and is on the roster bubble for the Toronto Raptors, flaming out after an outstanding first half of rookie season and signing a contract with Toronto.
Wear would be a player the Knicks can have on the team and develop. He has the tools to be a successful player in the Triangle Offense, as he has shown an ability to pass the ball from the high post, and also has a nice mid-range jump shot. Both are needed to succeed in this offense, and given seasoning and some practice Wear could really make leaps and bounds.
Is this something the Knicks would really consider? Coming into the season the backup small forward spot was something the Knicks needed to fill. Does this mean they are confident in rookie Cleanthony Early soaking up minutes behind Carmelo Anthony?
I believe this is more of confidence the Knicks have in their shooting guard trio Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr. All three are capable of playing small forward if needed, and could be part of the reason they opt to release Outlaw. It would alleviate one of the bigger problems Derek Fisher faces as head coach deciding how to divvy up minutes between the three.
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In the end this would be a good move to get rid of Outlaw via trade or release. Wear has earned his spot, and has more upside with a higher ceiling currently that Outlaw, whose abilities have plateaued. He has shown the ability to succeed in this offense, even though he has plenty of room to grow as a player. This would be a good move for the future of the team as well, as the Knicks could have a potential bargain in Wear for future teams. This is a move the Knicks would not have made in recent seasons, as they usually opt for the older, proven player over the younger, unproven one. This would be a welcome change to see the Knicks attempting to add young talent and develop it.