The New York Knicks made news on Tuesday when they signed one of the top remaining free agents, Kevin Seraphin, to a deal. With Seraphin being only the 13th roster lock the Knicks still have room to possibly sign other players or bring in competition for training camp. The Knicks now reportedly have interest in another one of the best remaining free agents and that is Norris Cole according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports.
Cole is a restricted free agent so the New Orleans Pelicans have the right to match any offer he receives and Amico reports that re-signing with the Pelicans is still the most likely outcome. The Philadelphia 76ers have also reportedly had interest in signing Cole.
The 76ers probably have the best chance of stealing Cole away from the Pelicans as they have the cap room to be able to do so while the Knicks don't have much of any room to work with but still the reports are that the Pelicans will likely match any offer. Anthony Davis and the Pelicans organization has made it clear that they want Cole back and the likelihood remains he ends up taking the qualifying offer New Orleans extended him.
The Knicks' reported interest in Cole is very interesting as they currently have three point guards that are set to make the team and be in the rotation. Jose Calderon is likely to be the starting point guard while rookie Jerian Grant figures to get some minutes, as does last year's breakout player Langston Galloway. The Knicks don't have much depth at the shooting guard spot behind projected starter Arron Afflalo though so that may be where Cole would see some time if he were to join the Knicks.
Cole played great in his 28 game stint with the Pelicans last season so it is easy to see why Davis and the organization want to keep him. Cole averaged 9.9 points and 4.7 assists in 24.4 minutes per game while connecting on 38 percent of his threes. Cole is also a two-time NBA Champion who should sign either an offer sheet soon or the qualifying offer from the Pelicans.
