Knicks Rumors: Tim Frazier A Backup Point Guard Target

New York Knicks Rumors: Could the Knicks look to fill their backup point guard void with Tim Frazier?

New York Knicks rumors have slowed down as they are running low on available money to spend in free agency. The Knicks have filled out a formidable starting lineup, signing Joakim Noah to a four-year, $72 million deal and Courtney Lee to a four-year, $48 million deal. They will be the starting center and shooting guard respectively with Derrick Rose at point guard, Carmelo Anthony at small forward and Kristaps Porzingis at power forward.

While the starting lineup is set, the same cannot be said for the bench. Right now the Knicks have very little in the way of depth, as Kyle O’Quinn and Justin Holiday are the only other players on the roster. As a result, the Knicks have a lot of work to do on their second unit.

They extended a qualifying offer to Langston Galloway, and they are hopeful that Lance Thomas will return as well. But, even if they are re-signed, the Knicks could still use a backup point guard.

For that, they look to have their sights set on restricted free agent Tim Frazier. According to ESPN New York’s Ian Begley, league sources say the Knicks are interested in the 25-year old restricted free agent.

Frazier has played limited minutes in two seasons, but when given consistent playing time with the New Orleans Pelicans at the end of last season Frazier really produced. Frazier played at least 20 minutes in each of the last 16 games of the season with the Pelicans after starting the season with the Portland Trail Blazers, and he made the most of his opportunity.

Playing 29.3 minutes per game for the injury ravaged Pelicans, Frazier averaged 13.1 points,7.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game as he stuffed the stat sheet. He was very efficient from the field, making 45 percent overall and 41.9 percent from three-point land.

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The one caveat with Frazier is that he is a restricted free agent, meaning the Pelicans can match any offer that he receives. The Knicks right now have about $4.5 million left to spend, and could have up to $8.5 million if they renounce their own free agents.

That is a route they could take to open up more cap space, or they could try shipping out a contract to a team that can absorb it. One of those routes will probably have to be taken if the Knicks wish to make a competitive offer for Frazier.

Nothing is imminent at this time according to sources, as the Knicks will wait for contracts to become official to see just how much money they have and see how the rest of the market shakes out.

The Knicks are most likely looking at other options to back up Rose as well, as they shouldn’t put all their eggs into one basket. Frazier would be a solid addition to the Knicks bench, and there is a chance that the Pelicans wouldn’t match an offer sheet for him, as they already handed out a lucrative contract to E’Twaun Moore earlier in free agency.

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We will have to wait and see what happens, but for now, we know at least that the Knicks are interested in adding Frazier if the price is right. The former NBA D-League MVP and Rookie of the Year should be looking to land an opportunity that will present him with consistent playing time, and the Knicks can offer that.