A look at three offseason targets for the Knicks once free agency begins:
Isaiah Hartenstein
Position: Center
Age: 26
Took an opportunity from Mitchell Robinson’s injury and turned it into a tremendous payday, which may not come from the Knicks because they’re limited in what they can offer.
Hartenstein enters free agency as arguably the top center on the market and, for the Knicks, the biggest question hanging over free agency.
He battled Achilles soreness but has been mostly durable while becoming New York’s most physical and aggressive paint protector.
Mason Plumlee
Position: Center
Age: 34
Sticking with centers because it’s the position of flux for the Knicks.
Depending on where the Knicks end up with their salary, they’ll either have access to one taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.1 million) or just exclusively minimum deals to sign unrestricted free agents.
Plumlee is an affordable option who is tough and physical.
He’d fit in seamlessly with Thibodeau and has been in the NBA for over a decade.
Once a Slam Dunk contest participant, Plumlee is now less athletic but has become a solid passer.
Kyle Lowry
Position: Point guard
Age: 38
Might as well go full ’Nova, right?
Lowry has lost a step or three but it was only two years ago when he was key to eliminating the Knicks in the second round of the playoffs with the Heat.
He’s a leader, has a fan in Tom Thibodeau and was apparently recruited by Josh Hart before Lowry signed with the Sixers last season.
The Knicks could certainly use point guard depth, and Lowry provides a veteran presence if he’d be willing to sign for the taxpayer midlevel or minimum.
