For one reason or another, the New York Knicks are the new hot destination for free agents looking to make a big move to a big city. Recently, Detroit Pistons big man Greg Monroe was involved with rumors about him going to the Knicks, which he emphatically denied. Now it appears that Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll is involved as well.
Carroll is set to be a free agent this offseason and acknowledged interest in the Knicks and hinted that he wouldn’t mind signing with the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers either. Carroll turns 29 in July and is in his sixth-year but he has produced at a high level on his current two-year, $5 million contract with the Hawks that expires at the end of the season.
Following from Marc Berman of the New York Post.
According to a source, Fisher is high on Carroll, who had 16 points, four rebounds and three assists on Monday, and the defensive approach he brings to the court.
“Most definitely,’’ Carroll said when asked if the Knicks would be a high consideration.“When guys talk about playing in certain places — they talk about Madison Square Garden and Staples Center. Those two places. New York has a lot to offer but at the end of the season, I’ll let my agent do that. We’ll keep our options and hopefully it will work out for the best.’’
Fisher liking DeMarre’s game isn’t too far-fetched. Carroll is a fantastic rebounder, grabbing 5.4 per game this season, but contrary to popular belief his defense is a minus, according to both ESPN’s and Basketball-Reference’s Box Plus/Minus. Those numbers show him as a better offensive player, and he’s transformed his attack in Atlanta, shooting nearly six times as many three-pointers the past two seasons as the rest of his NBA career combined. He’s made 39.6% of his shots from behind the arc this year and is averaging a career-high 12.7 points per game.
Still, Carroll is a terrific defender, despite what the numbers do say. He passes the eye test with flying colors and anyone who’s seen a Hawks game this season would tell you that.
His current small contract of around $2.5 million is due for an upgrade as 2 great writers recently pointed out.
Will be surprised if DeMarre Carroll really only gets $5M/year on his next contract: https://t.co/KyhYN7Crjm
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) April 14, 2015
Could see him getting a PJ Tucker-type deal. Few yrs, at $6M per maybe? MT @JCuRR11: How much will Demarre Carroll get in FA? Like him 4 NY?
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) April 13, 2015
Carroll coming to New York isn’t a possible scenario I don’t really see it unless you’re going to have him come off the bench or slot him at the 2. Putting him at the 2 means his primary objective will be to spot up and shoot. Put that biscuit in the basket at all costs because if you don’t then don’t expect to stay long in the starting lineup.
Carroll would be a good fit, for any team based off his defensive skills but who knows what kind of offense he could provide. This season could either be an anomaly or it could be exactly what could trigger him to get one last big contract while he’s still in his prime.
