Will Losing Record Affect Free Agency for the New York Knicks?

Losing is a lousy way to attract free agents, but New York isn't a hopeless franchise located in the middle of nowhere. 

Playing for the Knicks offers enough amenities to rationalize talent taking on the challenge that comes along with New York's horrible record.

There are immense business opportunities to build a brand that few cities offer like New York. And more importantly, as Ian O'Connor of ESPNNewYork.com put it, in regards to winning a championship with the Knicks, "Someone, at some point, will end this biblical basketball drought in New York, and that man will be lionized forever." 

Becoming a champion in New York is a legendary feat that will never be forgotten in sports lore. 

Business Ventures

With New York being the financial capital of the world, any athlete looking to create a brand and further his business off the court would be foolish to not consider taking his chances as a member of the Knicks. 

Via Fred Kerber of the New York Post, Carmelo Anthony said the following: 

“I want to brand myself as the digital athlete. ... At the end of the day, we all know what’s my day job: basketball. That’s what my brand is built on, but I’m trying to take my brand to the next level, make it bigger, make it stronger."

Kerber also added, "And there is no better place to start up a venture capital firm than New York, Anthony claimed."

For an athlete looking to expand his net worth beyond his salary and endorsement deals, living in New York is the premier place to do so. 

If the Losing Continues

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

Reversing fortunes on this dismal season isn't likely, so if the losses keep piling up, the Knicks will be in decent shape to have a chance at a top-three draft pick.

Only two teams have a record worse than New York: the Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers. 

If the Knicks are fortunate enough to draft first, second or third overall, the organization would be positioned to add a franchise-caliber player to its roster without trading away assets or ruining its cap space.

One of Jahlil Okafor, Karl Towns or Emmanuel Mudiay would be a tremendous fit for the Knicks moving forward. And more importantly, adding a young piece like one of those three men to New York's current core will make the team appealing to free agents. 

Playing alongside Anthony and one of these youngsters could be enough to entice someone to take the chance at building something special in New York. 

Cap Space

At the moment, via ShamSports.com, the Knicks will have $41.4 million committed for the 2015-16 season. If the franchise dumps J.R. Smith's salary, another $6 million could be freed up.

With the salary cap potentially rising to $66.5 million, via CBAFAQ.com, New York will have about $25 million at its disposal. 

The Knicks could potentially add Greg Monroe and Arron Afflalo, or Robin Lopez and Goran Dragic. New York will also have Iman Shumpert as a restricted free agent, and Shump could be included in a sign-and-trade deal to add further depth to the organization. 

A perfect storm of a top-three draft pick plus two very good free agents will have the 2014-15 record looking like an anomaly.

Although the Knicks do not have a bevy of talent on their roster, New York possesses a decent cast of role players that can put this franchise on the right track with a great draft pick and a couple of favorable signings.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Quincy Acy, Cleanthony Early and Shane Larkin are young athletes with enough talent to be solid glue guys and contributors for a long time on a winning team.

Prospective free agents will need to disregard the struggles of this season and see the bigger picture. Playing with Anthony, potentially a rookie with franchise talent and New York's current role players will lead to many promising seasons. 

Winning a championship with the Knicks automatically cements the legacy of the players and casts each man into an echelon of immortality.