New York Knicks: What Can We Expect to Happen This Summer?

The Knicks finished this season 42-40 and made their first playoff appearance since 2004.  However, they were swept by the Boston Celtics.  

Overall, the Knicks had a very exciting season filled with many ups and downs.  Some of the pros were obviously the additions of Amar'e Stoudamire, Chauncey Billups, and Carmelo Anthony.  

However, there were many negatives.  The Knicks were very inconsistent and lacked much needed effort on the defensive end.

In order to fix the negatives, Donnie Walsh needs to bring in important pieces to the team this summer.  

Here's what I expect to happen.

The Knicks Draft Marcus Morris with the No. 17 Pick

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 27: Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks handles the ball against Ed Nixon #50, Jamie Skeen #21 and Bradford Burgess #20 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the southwest regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball t

Many indications point to the Knicks drafting Kenneth Faried with the No. 17 pick in this years draft, but if Marcus Morris is still available, that won't happen.  I have a feeling Marcus will still be on the board, and the Knicks will take him. 

Morris played at a very high level for the Kansas Jayhawks and was arguably their most valuable player.  He's a great rebounder, and he provides much needed interior defense.  

Expect Morris to be a Knick next year.  He'll be a great player coming off the bench backing up Amar'e Stoudamire.  

The Knicks Trade for Ramon Sessions

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 31: Ramon Sessions #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers takes a shot during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 31, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa

One of the Knicks' biggest needs heading into next season is a back up point guard, mainly because Billups is getting older and probably won't be able to play as much minutes as he used to.  Not to mention he has recently battled through injuries. 

Ramon Sessions is a guy Mike D'Antoni has always liked, and he would be a great fit in New York.  He'd provide a nice spark off the bench.  He had a very solid season with Cleveland last year. 

If the Cavaliers draft Kyrie Irving, they would have a nice back court with Baron Davis and Irving.  In that case, Sessions might be a nice trade chip, and the Knicks will be calling. 

Perhaps Renaldo Balkman and a future pick would be a nice deal for both teams.

The Knicks Bring in a Decent Center

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MIAMI, FL - APRIL 08: Kwame Brown #54 of the Charlotte Bobcats drives to the lane during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 8, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadin

Another piece that the Knicks need to add is a true center.  Last year, Ronny Turiaf did a decent job, but let's be honest, he's nothing special.  However, he did provide a lot of energy off the bench and made some key blocks during the season.  In my opinion, the Knicks could do better than Turiaf.

A guy the Knicks would love to bring in this summer is Tyson Chandler, but most indications point to him re-signing with Dallas.  Chandler would sure be a big help to the Knicks. 

A guy like Kwame Brown would be a great fit for the Knicks.  He's a great rebounder and defender, and would be a great interior presents for this team.  He'd definitely be a factor during the season and in the playoffs. 

Other possibilities include Greg Oden, Kendrick Perkins, and Nazr Mohammed.

Shawne Williams Is Re-Signed to a Three Year Deal

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: Shawne Williams #3 of the New York Knicks attempts a shot agaist the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Th

Shawne Williams had his best season of his career last year.  He finished as a top 3-point shooter in the league, shooting 45-50 percent from behind the arc.  He was arguably the most important player off the bench for the team. 

He's a very underrated defender and rebounder.  Williams will most likely get nice offers from other teams, but Donnie Walsh can't let him leave.  I predict Walsh will re-sign Williams to a 3-year deal worth about $1.5 or $2 million per year. 

Chris Paul Demands a Trade to New York, Will It Happen?

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DALLAS - FEBRUARY 13: NBA players Carmelo Anthony (L) and Chris Paul attend the 23/25 Energy Space presented by Jordan Brand in Dallas, Texas on Februrary 13, 2010. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Jordan Brand)

I had no choice but to bring this topic up in this article, because we all know that Chris Paul wants out of New Orleans, and his top preference is New York. 

Paul is arguably the best point guard in the game right now next to Derrick Rose.  He can give you a double-double on any given night, and his ability to direct what goes on during the game is amazing.  Basically, he's the whole package for a point guard.

CP3's contract ends in 2012, and he almost definitely won't return to New Orleans.  Therefore, the Hornets will look to trade him sometime this summer or before the trade deadline next year.  The asking price for Paul will definitely be a lot. 

In order for the Hornets to trade CP3 to the Knicks, the deal would most likely have to revolve around Chauncey Billups, who is the Knicks' biggest trade chip.  Amar'e Stoudamire is almost untouchable, unless it's for Dwight Howard, and the team will be build around Carmelo Anthony for the next several years. 

So, in that case, Billups will be the center of the deal.  The Hornets will most likely ask for Billups, Ronny Turiaf, Toney Douglas, and a couple of first round picks. 

You never know what can happen in the NBA.

Will we see a new big three in New York this summer?