Knicks' 2023 Free-Agent Big Board, Top Players to Target

It's possible this will be a transformational offseason for the New York Knicks.

Just don't look for that transformation to happen during NBA free agency.

The Knicks will have some money to throw around—perhaps as much as the non-taxpayer mid-level exception—but not enough to land a difference-maker. If that's the kind of upgrade New York seeks, it will have to hit the trade market to find it.

As far as free agency goes, the Knicks' top priority is in-house, but they could add an external role player or two.

3. Trey Lyles

Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 30: Trey Lyles #41 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during Round 1 Game 7 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2023 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

If the Knicks make a major move this offseason, they'll likely have at least one hole to fill in the frontcourt. Most fake 'Bockers trades you'll find feature at least one of Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle, so should any of those come to fruition, New York will have a gap to cover up.

Trey Lyles primarily plays the 4 spot, but he can handle minutes as a small-ball 5 or even a jumbo 3 in a pinch. That versatility would be helpful to have, and that's hardly limited to his positional designation.

While he sometimes gets in trouble for trying to do too much, he has that ambition for a reason. His skill set doesn't have many soft spots, as he can shoot from range, attack off the dribble and help out on the glass. Defensively, he'll bang with bigs or do his best to stay in front of wing shooters.

His three-and-D appeal might be enough to entice the Knicks, but it's his ability to do more that gets him the third spot on this list.

2. Max Strus

Eric Espada/NBAE via Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - MAY 23: Max Strus #31 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during round 3 game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics on May 23, 2023 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Eric Espada/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks need more shooting. That should be obvious to everyone, as this club had bottom-half connection rates from the field (20th), three (19th) and the line (22nd).

A shooting specialist won't do much good, though. Just ask Evan Fournier. Despite being both a 37.9 percent career three-point shooter and this team's third-highest-paid player, he couldn't snag a spot in coach Tom Thibodeau's rotation.

Max Strus could, though. He is just as effective from distance (career 37.1 percent), but that's not all he brings to the floor. He fights defensively. He moves well without the basketball. He has enough zip to slip past close-outs or back-cut distracted defenders and finish at the rim.

He has logged the fourth-most minutes this postseason for the Miami Heat, who sit just one game away from an NBA Finals berth. You don't have to wonder whether he can help a team win big, because he's doing exactly that right now.

1. Josh Hart

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - MAY 8: Josh Hart #3 and Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat on May 8, 2023 at Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

For Josh Hart, declining his $13 million player option is a no-brainer. For the Knicks, so is giving him a long-term deal as soon as he ducks out of this one.

Just ask Thibodeau, who seemingly raves about Hart's ability any chance he gets.

"If you need a big shot, he's going to provide that," Thibodeau told reporters. "You need a big rebound, he'll provide that. Need a stop defensively? Provide that. Need a loose ball—that's what he is. He's a playmaker."

Hart's competitive edge and versatile skills allow him to make an impact night after night. Consistent role players are invaluable, and the Knicks have seen Hart up close long enough to fully appreciate the many things he brings.