Knicks Sleeper Contracts to Pursue in NBA Free Agency

The New York Knicks could rank among the biggest spenders in 2024 NBA free agency.

If they do, though, the bulk of that activity will happen in-house.

That's where the Knicks need to address the upcoming free agencies of OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein, both of whom should be looking at substantial pay raises.

As for what could happen outside the organization, the 'Bockers figure to be searching for cost-effective role players, and the following three players may qualify as such.

Malik Beasley, Milwaukee Bucks

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 30: Malik Beasley #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 30, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks defeated the Pacers 115-92. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Most modern NBA teams could use more shooting, and the Knicks are certainly no exception.

They were decent from distance this season, but by no means dominant: 10th in makes, 14th in percentage. Both of those rankings could obviously be improved, and if they were, that might bring out a new level of efficiency in this offense given how much inside-the-arc scoring New York can squeeze out of Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and whichever centers remain on the roster.

That's how the Knicks could potentially be drawn to a player like Malik Beasley—provided, of course, coach Tom Thibodeau wouldn't just torpedo that plan given Beasley's...uh...less than stellar impact defensively.

If New York could live with that weakness, then it could have a fire-baller for its bench. Beasley is best from long range (he has averaged 3.0 three-pointers on 38.8 percent shooting over the past four seasons), but he'll also speed ahead in transition and occasionally create his own mid-range looks off the dribble.

De'Anthony Melton, Philadelphia 76ers

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 09: De'Anthony Melton #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center on April 09, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Think about all of the mileage the Knicks got out of Miles McBride this season. De'Anthony Melton could be an even better version of that.

Between his full-throttle motor and sweeping 6'8" wingspan—huge reach for a 6'2" combo guard—he is a defensive pest and deflection machine. In 2022-23, his last healthy season, he energized his way to 234 deflections in 77 games, the fourth-highest total in the league, per NBA.com.

Melton also arguably looked better than ever on offense that season. He averaged double-digit points as a support player for the Sixers, posted his second-highest shooting rates from the field (42.5) and from three (39) and doubled up his 1.3 turnovers with 2.6 assists.

Durability has been an issue, as he has only topped 60 games in two of his six NBA seasons. If he was guaranteed a clean bill of health, though, he might command more in free agency than the Knicks could afford.

Dario Šarić, Golden State Warriors

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PORTLAND, OREGON - APRIL 11: Dario Saric #20 of the Golden State Warriors prepares to shoot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Moda Center on April 11, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. 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.  (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)

You don't need a crystal ball to tell you the Knicks will likely have a hole or two to fill at the center spot.

Hartenstein is a free agent with a potentially massive market. Precious Achiuwa is headed to restricted free agency. Make a major commitment to either one—let alone both—and it's probably untenable to keep Mitchell Robinson and his eight-figure salary.

Assuming the Knicks wind up needing a backup center, they should give Dario Šarić a look.

He would give this position group some different dimensions with his perimeter shooting and quick processing. His per-36-minutes stats from this season were fully loaded with 16.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.4 threes, per Basketball-Reference, and he enhanced those numbers with his efficient-as-usual 46.6/37.6/84.9 shooting slash.