Despite the disappointment expressed by New York Knicks fans after the team selected Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft, team president Phil Jackson is looking to upgrade the decimated roster in free agency.
So is Carmelo Anthony.
The Knicks' star has reportedly reached out to free agents DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe and Arron Afflalo, according to Matt Moore of CBS Sports. New York plans to make a big push for LaMarcus Aldridge too, but such an acquisition is unlikely because of the interest he's expected to garner from teams that are in a better position to win. Rumors suggest they're a longshot to land him as well.
However, the biggest need for the Knicks is a center, especially since their cast of big men is a) subpar and b) further depleted after Michael Scotto of The Associated Press reported the team was not extending a qualifying offer to Quincy Acy. With $27 million in cap space, the Knicks have set up meetings with Jordan and Monroe, who appear to be the best big man options. These rebounding machines would help the Knicks immensely after the team finished 29th in the NBA with 40.4 rebounds per game last season.
"Showing off his rings in peddling team basketball and the triangle offense is the pitch now," writes Marc Berman of the New York Post. "The problem is Jackson has his triangle, but is almost at square one in building the team back up because of several holes in the rotation, most notably at center. He does, however, have $27 million in cap space and the favorite to take a chunk of it is Detroit big man Greg Monroe ... He will speak with the Knicks on Thursday ...
"The Knicks are setting up tentative meetings this week. They will go to Los Angeles and sit with the perfect fit in Clippers shot-blocking center DeAndre Jordan."
Both are expected to land a max deal, but Monroe will be cheaper (about $15 million per year) because he's had less service time in the NBA than Jordan (seeking $20 million per year). The Knicks can afford both, but it's been said they're a longshot to land Jordan, which makes Monroe the most likely candidate.
"One clue to Jackson's desire for Monroe is a recent quote from his longtime confidant Charley Rosen, who told The Post the Detroit center is the perfect big body for the triangle," Berman added.
Free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday and the rumors will be plentiful until this year's top players ink their names on contracts.
