The New York Knicks are aware the remainder of their season is lost and the focus is now starting to shift to free agency. Carmelo Anthony is making it clear that he wants top talent to sign in New York and he is prepared to start recruiting. With money to spend, the Knicks can afford marquee players, but are they an attractive landing spot? Dwight Howard reportedly thinks so.
The Howard saga has been ongoing this season for the Houston Rockets. The team tried to trade the center at the deadline, but was asking for too much in return. Howard is expected to opt out of his $23-million player option for 2016 and hit the free agent market this summer to capitalize on the expanding salary caps in the league. The New York Knicks could be where he ends up signing.
Howard is reportedly interested in signing with the Knicks. The center has told friends that he would like to come to New York after opting out of his contract as he is intrigued by the marketing opportunities that the city holds. However, the Knicks might not be feeling the same way about Howard. The team already has Robin Lopez signed to a long-term deal, and he has proven to be a fine center for the team. Kristaps Porzingis is a solid power forward while Kyle O'Quinn is quality depth off the bench. There is no room for Howard unless Jackson moves Lopez.
The Knicks will have at least $18 million in cap space to work with in the offseason. The biggest position they need is a point guard. Size like Howard is not a priority for New York. Instead, they will chase Rajon Rondo, Mike Conley and potentially Brandon Jennings for help. Anthony is hopeful that he can be enough to recruit a star to New York.
"Put me at the head of the table, and let's go to work," Anthony said. "If we want this team to be better, if we want more pieces of this team, I don't have a choice but to go out there and do my job and try to get people to come."
The biggest need for the Knicks is a point guard, but some believe their triangle offense will not attract a top player to the team. Chauncey Billips believes that in order for the Knicks to get an elite point guard, they must ease up on the triangle offense. Rondo has already said he is not interested in the system and more could follow.
"I will tell you this about that triangle,'' Billups said. "If I'm a top point guard and a free agent, I'm not going to want to be playing in that triangle. A point guard needs more pick-and-roll, more freedom. It's going to be restrictive to my play. I think that would be a good thing - if they are opening it up a little. It's the only way to get a point guard.''
The Knicks have lofty goals in free agency. Howard is the only player saying he is interested in New York. Jackson will seek big names, but he could find interest is low on the market.
