Coming off their deepest playoff run in over two decades, the New York Knicks have been hard at work making adjustments to the roster. Despite already bringing in multiple new faces, more additions could be on the way.
After making a pair of big trades last summer, the Knicks have been operating in the margins since free agency began last week. First, they landed guard Jordan Clarkson after he was bought out by the Utah Jazz. New York further bolstered their supporting cast by signing one of the most interesting names on the market in Guerschon Yabusele.
Though their financial flexibility is minimal, the Knicks still have some cap space to work with. In a recent column for SNY, insider Ian Begley cited how they could utilize their open spot on the roster. New York has been active in the guard market in search of more backup options behind Jalen Brunson.
I don’t know if there is a specific focus for that final roster spot. But the Knicks have been in touch with multiple backup guards on the market. Dante Exum considered the Knicks as a possible destination before he agreed to a deal with Dallas on Wednesday (per ESPN). As noted earlier, the Knicks touched base with free agent Ben Simmons this week. So it seems like the Knicks are at least keeping an eye on the market for a backup guard.
While Clarkson is capable of being a lead guard, his style of play is more in line with that of a combo-guard. Because of this, New York could benefit from signing a more traditional point guard. Some realistic options given their cap situation include Malcolm Brogdon, Russell Westbrook, Corey Joseph, and Monte Morris.
If the Knicks are going to fulfill their championship aspirations, they'll need Brunson in a good place physically come the postseason. Knowing this, the front office should have multiple viable options to help limit the wear and tear the star guard goes through in the regular season.