4 Free Agents Knicks Should Target to Fill Final Roster Spot
Leon Rose and the New York Knicks have been actively building their roster this summer for the 2024-25 season. Their busy offseason consists of trading for Mikal Bridges, re-signing OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa, signing Cam Payne, and extending star point guard Jalen Brunson and head coach Tom Thibodeau. They may not be done yet, as they can still fill their final roster spot.
Brunson's historic $113 million pay cut will allow the Knicks to remain competitive. It will also put the organization in a great position to sign players and build towards becoming long-term contenders in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks would not need to offer a steep contract to whoever they sign because it would likely be a backup veteran remaining on the free-agent market.
New York will likely pursue a big man to improve their frontcourt depth after Isaiah Hartenstein left in free agency for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Still, they could also bolster their backcourt and continue to sign more guards this offseason, but the priority will be big men. That said, let's look at four free agents the Knicks should target with their final roster spot:
4: PF Markieff Morris
The Knicks could pursue veteran power forward Markieff Morris, who last played for the Dallas Mavericks. The 34-year-old has been in the league since 2011 and has played with several teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Brooklyn Nets. He won a championship with the Lakers in 2020 and was a member of the Mavericks team that won the Western Conference this past season.
Morris averaged 2.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists this year and shot 33.8 percent. While it wouldn't cost New York to pay Morris for the 2024-25 season, there are better power forwards and centers on the free-agent market the team could target. For that reason, the Knicks would likely pass on Morris, but he could be an option if injuries hurt the team as the season progresses and they desperately need another big man.