Knicks Rumors: Latest Buzz on Evan Turner, Jamal Crawford and More
The New York Knicks have been busy for more than a week following a blockbuster trade for point guard Derrick Rose, and they will reportedly remain active now that free agency's negotiating window has opened.
Based on all the buzz emanating from the Big Apple, the Knicks appear to be in the market for players who can help the team compete immediately in an unbalanced Eastern Conference.
"I don’t think New York, Los Angeles, they’re not markets that you are going, 'OK, you’re going through a rebuilding process,'" head coach Jeff Hornacek said Thursday, per the New York Daily News' Stefan Bondy. "You have the ability to spend the money. You have attractive cities to go to. I think they’re always on the win-now thought process."
Given that context, here's a look at the latest rumors regarding some of the team's top targets.
Turner on New York's Radar
Evan Turner is in line for a big pay raise following a standout season with the Boston Celtics, and the Knicks appear to be determined to grab some face time with the former No. 2 overall pick.
According to ESPN.com's Ian Begley, "The Knicks are one of the teams that [Turner] expects to meet with."
While Turner would fill the Knicks' void at shooting guard, he's not an ideal candidate to line up alongside Rose, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.
Although Turner is an above-average playmaker with a nose for the rim, his jump shot is shaky. Through six professional seasons, the Ohio State product has converted just 41.7 percent of his jumpers between 10 and 16 feet and 39.3 percent of his attempts between 16 feet and the three-point line.
Considering Rose shot 36.0 percent between 16 feet and the arc and 29.3 percent on triples last season, the Knicks wouldn't have a lineup that stretches the floor or applies tremendous pressure on opposing defenses.
Turner could also serve as a strong second-unit anchor, but for the amount of money he's likely to command, it would be a surprise to see him come off the bench with a new club.
Knicks Interested in Crawford Reunion
Jamal Crawford suited up for the Knicks from 2004 until 2008, when they traded him to the Golden State Warriors, but the two sides reportedly could reunite this summer, according to the Orange County Register's Dan Woike:
"Crawford, who does have a meeting scheduled with the Clippers, is also drawing interest from a number of teams in search of a scoring guard. Crawford is expected to receive interest from the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, the Toronto Raptors, the Dallas Mavericks, the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets in addition to the Clippers.
"
Crawford told Woike he would like to stay in Hollywood but admitted he'll listen to teams that come calling.
"I definitely have to keep an open mind and see what’s out there," Crawford said. "That’s why you’re in this position. My preference, like I’ve said from the get go, is to go back to the Clippers. But, I’m definitely very, very open-minded about the whole free-agency process."
The three-time Sixth Man of the Year would give the Knicks some sorely needed scoring pop off the pine, and his dependability in late-game situations would potentially give Hornacek a stellar offensive unit to close fourth quarters with.
However, Crawford is 36 years old, so he would be more of a stopgap solution than anything else. While he would fill a defined role, the Knicks could likely spend their remaining cap space on younger, upside-laden talents.
Lee, Gordon Among New York's Targets?
If Turner and Crawford don't find their way to Madison Square Garden, Courtney Lee and Eric Gordon will be logical targets for the Knicks.
According to the New York Post's Marc Berman, the Knicks could go after both:
"Atlanta’s Kent Bazemore is high on the Knicks’ list of shooting guards, but price may be an issue as he’s seeking at least $16 million to start. Veteran Courtney Lee, the ever-improving ex-Net, could come cheaper and is well-liked in the organization.
According to a source, the Knicks have interest in injury-prone Eric Gordon, too. Rose wouldn’t mind seeing Gordon get to New York. They played AAU ball together in Chicago and are friends.
"
Gordon has encountered a slew of knee, ankle and finger injuries over the years, which have prevented him from suiting up in more than 65 games over the course of a full campaign since his rookie year, but he can still offer plenty of punch as a spot-up shooter.
In 45 appearances last season, Gordon shot 38.4 percent from three-point range and 48.2 percent on pull-up treys, per NBA.com.
Lee, meanwhile, put together a strong second half after the Memphis Grizzlies shipped him to the Charlotte Hornets at the trade deadline last season.
In 28 appearances with the Hornets, Lee knocked down 39.2 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc, including a robust 48.0 percent mark from the corners.
Lee could be slightly cheaper since he's three years older than Gordon, and he would be a sensible addition for the Knicks because he doesn't need the ball in his hands to thrive. Taking Gordon's injury history into account, he could be a gamble for a team that can't afford to miss on free-agent signings.
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com unless noted otherwise.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
