The New York Knicks have already been busy this offseason and free agency has not yet begun. The team made waves by trading for former Bulls point guard Derrick Rose. But it does not appear they are done making moves just yet.
With free agency just around the corner, it appears the Knicks have set their sights on Hawks forward Kent Bazemore.
Following from Marc Berman of the New York Post:
The Knicks have heavy interest in 6-foot-5 Hawks shooting guard Kent Bazemore, but they may be priced out or simply shut out, according to NBA sources.
Bazemore is expected to seek more than double that — a pact starting at at least $16 million. That’s more than the player he replaced in the starting lineup, DeMarre Carroll (four years, $60 million last summer). The Hawks could afford it with their cap space, but reportedly are now trying to get in on Kevin Durant.
Interest in Bazemore certainly makes sense. The Knicks are an outsider in the Durant sweepstakes, with no meetings planned between the two parties just yet. Bazemore could provide a starter-level talent at the shooting guard position. With Arron Afflalo likely out of New York this summer, that is a huge need.
Bazemore’s shooting will pair well with the likes of Rose and Carmelo Anthony who can draw attention. But more importantly, his perimeter defense is something the Knicks sorely need. Neither Rose nor Melo are stopping anyone on the perimeter consistently. While Bazemore is not a lock-down defender, he is at least an above average one.
The Knicks do not have a ton of cap space to spare and they still have to find a starting center. Bazemore, as Berman states, will be making a ton of money soon. That is not to mention that he can find better basketball situations as he will have no shortage of options.
The Knicks need a player like Kent Bazemore. Cap flexibility and their probably doomed pursuit of Kevin Durant will likely strap them from signing the coveted wing.
