The Knicks have been one of the best stories of the 2020-21 NBA season. Led by new coach Tom Thibodo and All-Star forward Julius Randle, they are on track to make it to the playoffs for the first time since the 2012–13 campaign.
But New York doesn’t want to be just a one-hit wonder. The Knicks will be looking for an upgrade to the point guard this offseason, and it looks like they already have a few options.
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[The Knicks are] Keeping an eye on Damien Lillard and any other star if anyone can find a trade, things will go sideways with their current franchise. He also has Dennis Schroder, Lonzo Ball and – according to SNY sources – Kyle Lowry – on the radar for Offshare.
New York has enough cap space and the future NBA Draft has chosen to begin negotiations with Portland about Lillard’s position, but the franchise icon never indicated that he intends to trade. The Trail Blazers probably tried to move another starter such as CJ McCallum or Jusuf Nurkic before CZ out.
The Knicks are going to survey the free-agency landscape this summer, preventing a change in Lillard’s position. Laurie, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, is the best player among the goals stated by Begley.
At age 35, Laurie Randall (26) or RJ Barrett (20) may not fit perfectly on the deadline, but he is still dominant on both ends of the floor. Laurie averages 17.2 points, 7.3 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, while providing the usual intangibles and leadership that the Raptors have come to expect. He also has experience playing with players who dominate the ball, so he doesn’t stay a ton away from the New York youth corps.
There will also be other teams in the mix for Lori’s services. The 76ers, Heat and Lakers have all expressed interest in Lori, and a return to the Raptors cannot be ruled out. But the Knicks can offer a big contract without jumping through financial hoops, and they will come off a successful season.
At the very least, the Knicks should be considered a real threat in free agency, a notable change from last season.
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