The New York Knicks exceeded expectations this season by making the playoffs. Their play even had a block wide celebration onto 7th avenue in Manhattan following a postseason win against the Hawks. However, their hopes were dashed after losing in five games to Atlanta. But there was something for Knicks fans to hold out hope on. The team had over $50 million in cap space this summer. Even more important, after this season it seemed likely that the New York franchise could attract a big fish. Is Evan Fournier a big fish? No. But the Knicks are using their financial flexibility on him. Let’s look at how the New York Knicks are spending their rather large salary space.
Nerlens Noel
The Knicks rang in free agency by bringing back Nerlens Noel to the tune of three-year, $32 million contract. $10+ million for a back-up center does not make sense. This feels like a miss to me. It was just two months ago when Noel was dominated by Clint Capela in their playoff matchup. This size contract on day one of free agency is questionable. Earlier this month New York was looking to extend starting center Mitchell Robinson, now with the money going to Noel this is unlikely to get done. Noel averaged 5.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and two blocks per game in 24 minutes per game. His play does not represent that contract. There still were a number of capable backup shot blocking big men available. Signing Noel has led to speculation that Robinson may be used as leverage as a trade piece. Trading Robinson and giving Nerlens Noel more minutes makes the Knicks worse, just as it did this postseason.
Alec Burks
Alec Burks was a spark plug for the Knicks this year. At times Burks was the biggest offensive threat New York had down the stretch. The slashing playmaking guard averaged 12.7 points per game and also shot an impressive 41.5% from three. His consistent scoring earned the athletic guard a spot in the Mecca. Burks contract will be for three-years, $30 million. He will continue his role on the wing as well as some time handling the ball at the point. His versatility and dependability make him a key role player for this Knicks roster.
Evan Fournier
The Knicks signing Evan Fournier with their exorbitant amount of salary cap space is not something I would have on my free agency bingo board. Was it a good move? It’s difficult to find how paying Fournier $78 million over four years to be your offensive center piece is a good move. And if he isn’t going to be the focal point of your offense? Even more of a bad move. It was evident that New York’s biggest need was offense, but how much does his 17.1 points per game help? His shooting certainly does. However, could they have gotten a better player at that price? It is just day one of free agency and the Knicks have spent nearly all of their available $54 million in cap space. According to John Hollinger they should have about $8 million to work with after denouncing the rights to Reggie Bullock.
“He’s a very good floor spacer,’’ one NBA scout told The Post. “He’s a good fit for the Knicks. A good combo with RJ [Barrett].’’
While his ability to space the floor and shooting certainly benefits the Knicks. Leveraging cap space to bring in an above-average swingman doesn’t do much to push New York to the next level. The Fournier deal unfortunately feels like it will be another on a long list of Knicks regrets.
Derrick Rose
When the Knicks traded for Derrick Rose at last years trade deadline it seemed more like a move for Rose to mentor the Knicks young guards. However, the former MVP came in and contributed immediately. His impact was quickly felt and a major factor in the Knicks making the playoffs. That level of play earned Rose three-year, $43 million deal to return to New York. Re-signing Derrick Rose was one of the Knicks main goals this offseason, however at what price? Honestly, this deal feels eerily similar to the splash the Knicks made when they signed Joakim Noah to a $72 million deal and Courtney Lee for another $48 million making a “super team” as Rose called it. Rose was a great leader in New York last season but his age showed in the postseason. After fantastic showings early in the playoffs he was visibly spent by game 5. Good for Rose though, let him get his money. It’s just hard to see all the cap money go in 12 hours.
Knicks
So a majority of the salary cap has disappeared, are the Knicks better than they were 12 hours ago? They essentially chose to run it back with the same roster that was eliminated in the first round this year. The Knicks looked like the 16-year-old that got his first paycheck and didn’t know how to spend it. It really is impressive seeing how quickly $54 million can be spent. Essentially the only difference made in these signings and millions was swapping Evan Fournier for Reggie Bullock, a minor upgrade. Minor upgrades don’t win championships, let alone advance from the first round of the playoffs. The high hopes of the $54 million available salary cap space for the Knicks came crashing down quicker than an average work day. Welcome to New York.
