The New York Knicks are a team in an interesting position after a year in which they had success ahead of schedule and a salary situation that leaves them quite flexible. And like their interesting situation, there are a number of interesting rumors surrounding the team. We've already heard names like Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal get brought up in conversation, which can be said for a good amount of contenders around the association, but there are some smaller little tidbits that have been reported this week that are equally as fun to discuss.
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We'll start with the report from Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, which says that the Knicks have emerged as a suitor for free agent guard Kyle Lowry. The 35-year-old continues to perform at a high level, averaging 17.2 points, 7.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game in the 2020-21 season, and though he may not be the perennial All-Star that he recently was, he can still boost a playoff-hopeful team in a big way. The Knicks join the Philadelphia 76ers, the Miami Heat, the Dallas Mavericks and others are might pursue Lowry through a sign-and-trade or in free agency.
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According to Pompey, the Knicks appear as though they would offer Lowry a two-year deal in the range $20-$30 million per season, which is slightly less than what Lowry has been reported to desire. A source told Pompey that Lowry instead wants a three-year deal worth $90 million, and that those demands haven't budged since the season. Seeing as there are other suitors, he may be able to find a better deal than what the Knicks are offering him, though the Knicks also have more salary cap flexibility than other organizations should Lowry reach free agency.
The Knicks not only appear interested in getting an established veteran presence, however. According to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, President Leon Rose, GM Scott Perry and company are looking to move up in the draft using their combination of late first-round picks (Nos. 19 and 21). One team with which they tried to trade and failed was the Golden State Warriors, says Wasserman, who was not willing to give up their No. 14 selection for the duo of Knicks picks later in the round.
Why might they be trying to move up? Apparently they may be high on UVA product Trey Murphy III, who Wasserman says has moved up draft boards due to his size, shooting and athleticism. The Knicks worked him out and may not expect him to be around when it's their turn to pick at No. 19.
In the Audacy Sports and Locked On Ultimate NBA Mock Draft, our panel of experts and analysts saw the Knicks trading up to No. 16 with the Oklahoma City Thunder to select Josh Giddey, an Australian prospect, before taking Tre Mann out of Florida with the No. 21 pick.
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