The Knicks are reportedly open to assuming a hefty contract or two in any potential trade as they endeavor to rebuild yet again.
New York finds itself among the league's leaders in available cap space heading into a somewhat uncertain offseason, as the league and players association continue to negotiate a salary cap for next season that takes into account the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.
The Knicks' new front office will be trying to remake a roster badly in need of an infusion of talent, and the gobs of cap space could be used to soak up onerous contracts -- along with assets such as draft picks or good young players.
"Several" teams have recently said the Knicks are open to making such a deal, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
It was unclear which teams the Knicks had spoken to, or which players they might take on.
It's no secret that cap space can be leveraged into draft picks and other assets for teams willing to go that route, though some say it can present a challenge to organizational chemistry.
For example the Knicks' previous front office had said they were opposed to the practice of taking on bad contracts to sweeten trade offers, according to the report, because bringing in a player who wasn't committed to the organization long-term wasn't necessarily optimal.
However, there was no "consensus" yet among rival teams as to what the Knicks' agenda is for the offseason, Begley reported.
The Knicks have the 8th, 27th and 38th overall picks in next month's draft.
Conflicting reports have swirled about the Knicks' plan for the draft in recent weeks, with some suggesting they could be interested in trading up in a potential bid to land LaMelo Ball, while others said they're fond of Kentucky product Tyrese Maxey, and could even trade back a few spots nab an extra pick and still get Maxey.
Meanwhile on the trade front, some reports suggested the Knicks could be interested in trading for a high-priced veteran point guard such as Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul should they become available, a scenario WFAN NBA analyst John Schmeelk says they should avoid at all costs.