Woj: Knicks 'Doing the Right Thing' in Free Agency Patience
As the countdown to the NBA free agency period tip-off continues (Friday at 6 p.m. EST), many are wondering wonder when ... or if ... the New York Knicks will make a headline-grabbing move.
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden picked up his player option on Thursday but is expected to request a trade. With the Knicks listed as a potential suitor alongside the Los Angeles Clippers, that could keep them away from spending big on free agency, though names like Golden State's Donte DiVincenzo have already been floated.
Shortly after breaking the Harden news, ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski discussed if the New York Knicks should make a splash in the free agency market with ESPN NY 98.7 FM host Chris Canty.
As it stands, the Knicks are in a good spot at ninth in the NBA in cap space. However, Wojnarowski doesn't think the Knicks should bite for these non-superstars and wait for the All-NBA caliber players that emerge next season.
"I think New York’s doing the right thing by waiting and maybe not going after the ‘B-level' player, then saying the ‘A-level' players are gonna become available," Wojnarowski said. "Whether it's early in the season, the trade deadline, or next summer, they're going to be in a position to do something".
Wojnarowski explained that the brightest stars in the league don't become free agents, but rather outright declare that they want out and enter a "portal". He thinks New York will be a prime location for these superstars because of their players and future.
"You see the infrastructure there of good young players in outstanding point guards like Jalen Brunson—who wouldn’t want to play with Jalen Brunson?" Wojarnowski said. "You're saying that he developed in New York. They have lots of draft picks. They have their own picks. They have other teams' picks. They have some young players who have value."
Harden is currently listed among the 2024 free agents, as are Jaylen Brown, Domantas Sabonis, Pascal Siakam, and Klay Thompson.
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