Knicks not ruling out DRose extension later in the season

[Sark]

$25 million for Rose would be crippling. Better to just bring up Chasson Randle and save the cap space.

[Meat]

Noah for Rubio? Move Rose to SG, Lee to SF, Anthony to PF and Porzingis to C?

We'd have to eat Pekovic's contract to make the salaries match, but I'm not opposed to that. The only thing I have against trading Noah this year is it doesn't look good for free agents when you bring in a guy for four years, talk about how much you like him, and then trade him only a few months later

Yeah I think taking Pekovic's contract would be a small thing compared to the big picture (better fitting team). Yeah it would look bad to do this to Noah (a hometown guy who's wanted to play here his entire career) to do that. Maybe the offseason then.

rubio and kp6

[Meat]

$25 million for Rose would be crippling. Better to just bring up Chasson Randle and save the cap space.

save it for what?

[ciregno]

way too early to be talking about this. wait until towards the end of the year, see how his production and health are, then address it.

[JohnStarksTheDunk]

$25 million for Rose would be crippling. Better to just bring up Chasson Randle and save the cap space.

save it for what?

Other players, more players, more flexibility. I'm not saying these are necessarily better options that Rose, but they are legitimate alternatives. We already have a significant portion of the cap committed to Noah for 3 more years. An additional 3 years of $25 million for Rose would pretty much put us right at the cap, with limited options to improve the team.

[NYKAL]

Much better than I feared. Serioulsy, other than CP3(not happening) who also has a long injury and Lowry, is there a better option out there. Oh, there is Childress but, don't think he'll come either.

I think Jennings and Rose are likely the best options available now and in the offseason. Guys saying don't resign him haven't given any other options or, aren't aware of them.

Guys saying don't sign Rose want us to get someone in the draft, try to trade for someone, or go after Jrue. Those two options are significantly better than extending Rose. Paul's injury history is not as bad as Rose's AND his game will absolutely age better, so people pointing to age point to a moot point.

You mean "Those three options"? You said "those two options".

But in any case playing Devil's Advocate...

Sure there are better options in all 3 arenas (draft, trade, free agency) but how many of them are realistic?

Via Draft

The Knicks are good enough to get into the playoffs or, at worst, end up at the bottom portion of the lottery. There are a lot of potential PG prospects in this draft but pretty much all of them are projected to go in the early part of the lottery. Looking at DX's mock draft, of the group of PG prospects (Fultz, Smith Jr, Ball, Fox, Monk, etc.) the only guy that they currently project outside the top 10 is Frank Ntilinkina and he's projected to go 12th. After that it's a whole bunch of bigs then a combo guard like Edmond Sumner at 25. This is not a tanking team, at least not by choice, so unless multiple players get hurt chances are probably good that they will not be able to get any of them in the draft. And Ntilikina isn't likely going to be able to step in right away to run the show.

Nor do the Knicks really have enough assets to move up into the sweet spot of the lottery to be able to draft one of the name guys). The Knicks arguably best option (strategically tank) was something that Jackson chose not to pursue...so I'm not sure how viable the draft is as a solution to a replacement for Rose.

Via Trade

The Knicks really don't have a lot of tradable assets that can net an major impact player. Porzingis isn't being traded and Anthony has that NTC which, combined with his "lesser" play, isn't going to be easy to flip for a better option than Rose at PG. Once you exclude Porzingis and Anthony, and assuming Rose won't be here, that leaves you with "assets" like Courtney Lee, Willy Hernangomez, their own 2017 1st round pick, Kyle O'Quinn, Mindaugus Kuzminskas. You got a couple fine role players and a couple 1st year guys that may be of some interest and that 1st round pick, but I don't see any impact starting PG that could be had for that unless you are thinking Ricky Rubio?

A Ricky Rubio may be the most realistic option to upgrade the point and you basically would be trading for a guy that simply cannot shoot or score to go with a C that can't shoot or score either, and a SG that also really isn't offensively skilled. I'm sure Carmelo Anthony will be very excited at the notion that he'll have to carry a HUGE portion of the scoring burden.

Via Free Agency

Assuming they renounce Rose (which they will have to, to even start talking about signing any of the big name PG's) and not counting Jennings cap hold, they will have roughly $77 million committed to 10 players. Assuming they want to bring back Jennings we're looking at $85 million of the cap consumed. Add in their 1st round pick and roster holds and we're close to $88-89 million. I believe the salary cap for the summer of 2017 is projected to be $102 million. It's debatable right now if they even will have a max cap slot much less whether they can sign any of the max guys. They would likely have to move either Noah or Lee to be able to create a max slot. But assuming they do that and replace either guy with next to nothing, what are the chances that any of the free agent PG's will want to sign with the Knicks?

Chris Paul is in a very good place right now, his team is doing better than it's ever done and he has a comfort zone there. The biggest detractor for him staying there (former owner Donald Sterling) was removed years ago. Would Jackson be willing to let Anthony try to convince his BFF to come to NY even though Jackson didn't want Anthony involved this past offseason in any free agent moves? The Clips have money. They want to win. It is not unfeasible, even at his age, that they be willing to pay him more than any other team would be willing to offer to stay with a top team that he's familiar with. There's also rumors that the Spurs (who will have money to spend) will be a hot spot for him as he tries to win a championship. Not likely that he'll be coming to NY.

As far as Kyle Lowry goes, if the Raptors were willing to shell out crazy money for Derozan (so far looking like an MVP candidate) I can't possibly see them letting Lowry go without a fight. They know they have a hard time attracting free agents. Letting Lowry go means they'd have to go find another top PG and that's just not going to work out in their favor...especially considering that they have even less salary cap wiggle room than the Knicks. They'll likely go max to keep that pair together. Would Lowry jump? Lowry is from Philly so it's theoretically possible, I guess, that he wants to head back state side. But he'll pretty much the 2nd most positively impactful PG in free agency and has been an advanced stats wet dream for years so he's likely also going to be seeing his fair share of suitors. Would he come to NY? I don't see it. He has no specific ties to NY nor any of it's players, front office or coaching staff.

Sure Jrue Holiday is a possibility (not like he's winning anything in NO) but Holiday is a West Coast guy. His wife Lauren has roots in Indiana (though she went to school in UCLA). If he wants to situate her close to her family then the Pacers (Jeff Teague will be a free agent after this season and the Pacers will have salary cap space so if Teague leaves...) would be a potential serious suitor. Same with the Clips if Chris Paul actually flies the coup. Dell Demps really doesn't have a choice but to offer Holiday the max IMO. Would Holiday pass on the money or to potentially more appealing destinations to go to (arguably) a slightly better situation in NY? I don't see him moving him and his wife to NY...but that's just me.

Jeff Teague? Honestly may be the most realistic option (assuming the Pacers and him don't work out something...he is...btw...also from Indiana) but he's not exactly a pass first PG either. He entered the NBA as a combo type guard and made his stake at being able to drive to the basket. He's a slashing score first PG. Would he really be a better option than Rose? Teague's best seasons have been kinda only slightly better than Rose's worst seasons.

And then there's George Hill. Yep, Hill is enjoying the best season of his career in Utah averaging 20ppg while shooting a crazy 53% from the field and 45% from 3. Definitely the flavor of the month among fantasy fans. But he still has managed just 4.2 assists per game. There are many things that Hill does well. He's smart. He defends. He competes. He's a veteran. He's experienced in winning. And...this season...he's also a heck of a scorer. But there's one thing that Hill has never been and that is a pass first PG. He's even less of one than Rose is. Just not what he is. When he was manning the point in Indiana, the Pacers were consistently among the slowest and least offensively efficient teams in the NBA. I don't see him being a better PG option than Rose. A better player? Sure...this season...so far. Would you want to commit big bucks on a guy that is basically having a career year in a contract year?

--

Bottom line is that I don't think it's going to be easy to replace Rose (do better) regardless of whether it's a good idea or not (and it may not be).

^great post and THANK you. I really do appreciate that you took the time to explain your thoughts on it instead of the usual posters that don't even try to validate their opinion or explain their stance.

[Deeeez Knicks]

Much better than I feared. Serioulsy, other than CP3(not happening) who also has a long injury and Lowry, is there a better option out there. Oh, there is Childress but, don't think he'll come either.

I think Jennings and Rose are likely the best options available now and in the offseason. Guys saying don't resign him haven't given any other options or, aren't aware of them.

Guys saying don't sign Rose want us to get someone in the draft, try to trade for someone, or go after Jrue. Those two options are significantly better than extending Rose. Paul's injury history is not as bad as Rose's AND his game will absolutely age better, so people pointing to age point to a moot point.

You mean "Those three options"? You said "those two options".

But in any case playing Devil's Advocate...

Sure there are better options in all 3 arenas (draft, trade, free agency) but how many of them are realistic?

Via Draft

The Knicks are good enough to get into the playoffs or, at worst, end up at the bottom portion of the lottery. There are a lot of potential PG prospects in this draft but pretty much all of them are projected to go in the early part of the lottery. Looking at DX's mock draft, of the group of PG prospects (Fultz, Smith Jr, Ball, Fox, Monk, etc.) the only guy that they currently project outside the top 10 is Frank Ntilinkina and he's projected to go 12th. After that it's a whole bunch of bigs then a combo guard like Edmond Sumner at 25. This is not a tanking team, at least not by choice, so unless multiple players get hurt chances are probably good that they will not be able to get any of them in the draft. And Ntilikina isn't likely going to be able to step in right away to run the show.

Nor do the Knicks really have enough assets to move up into the sweet spot of the lottery to be able to draft one of the name guys). The Knicks arguably best option (strategically tank) was something that Jackson chose not to pursue...so I'm not sure how viable the draft is as a solution to a replacement for Rose.

Via Trade

The Knicks really don't have a lot of tradable assets that can net an major impact player. Porzingis isn't being traded and Anthony has that NTC which, combined with his "lesser" play, isn't going to be easy to flip for a better option than Rose at PG. Once you exclude Porzingis and Anthony, and assuming Rose won't be here, that leaves you with "assets" like Courtney Lee, Willy Hernangomez, their own 2017 1st round pick, Kyle O'Quinn, Mindaugus Kuzminskas. You got a couple fine role players and a couple 1st year guys that may be of some interest and that 1st round pick, but I don't see any impact starting PG that could be had for that unless you are thinking Ricky Rubio?

A Ricky Rubio may be the most realistic option to upgrade the point and you basically would be trading for a guy that simply cannot shoot or score to go with a C that can't shoot or score either, and a SG that also really isn't offensively skilled. I'm sure Carmelo Anthony will be very excited at the notion that he'll have to carry a HUGE portion of the scoring burden.

Via Free Agency

Assuming they renounce Rose (which they will have to, to even start talking about signing any of the big name PG's) and not counting Jennings cap hold, they will have roughly $77 million committed to 10 players. Assuming they want to bring back Jennings we're looking at $85 million of the cap consumed. Add in their 1st round pick and roster holds and we're close to $88-89 million. I believe the salary cap for the summer of 2017 is projected to be $102 million. It's debatable right now if they even will have a max cap slot much less whether they can sign any of the max guys. They would likely have to move either Noah or Lee to be able to create a max slot. But assuming they do that and replace either guy with next to nothing, what are the chances that any of the free agent PG's will want to sign with the Knicks?

Chris Paul is in a very good place right now, his team is doing better than it's ever done and he has a comfort zone there. The biggest detractor for him staying there (former owner Donald Sterling) was removed years ago. Would Jackson be willing to let Anthony try to convince his BFF to come to NY even though Jackson didn't want Anthony involved this past offseason in any free agent moves? The Clips have money. They want to win. It is not unfeasible, even at his age, that they be willing to pay him more than any other team would be willing to offer to stay with a top team that he's familiar with. There's also rumors that the Spurs (who will have money to spend) will be a hot spot for him as he tries to win a championship. Not likely that he'll be coming to NY.

As far as Kyle Lowry goes, if the Raptors were willing to shell out crazy money for Derozan (so far looking like an MVP candidate) I can't possibly see them letting Lowry go without a fight. They know they have a hard time attracting free agents. Letting Lowry go means they'd have to go find another top PG and that's just not going to work out in their favor...especially considering that they have even less salary cap wiggle room than the Knicks. They'll likely go max to keep that pair together. Would Lowry jump? Lowry is from Philly so it's theoretically possible, I guess, that he wants to head back state side. But he'll pretty much the 2nd most positively impactful PG in free agency and has been an advanced stats wet dream for years so he's likely also going to be seeing his fair share of suitors. Would he come to NY? I don't see it. He has no specific ties to NY nor any of it's players, front office or coaching staff.

Sure Jrue Holiday is a possibility (not like he's winning anything in NO) but Holiday is a West Coast guy. His wife Lauren has roots in Indiana (though she went to school in UCLA). If he wants to situate her close to her family then the Pacers (Jeff Teague will be a free agent after this season and the Pacers will have salary cap space so if Teague leaves...) would be a potential serious suitor. Same with the Clips if Chris Paul actually flies the coup. Dell Demps really doesn't have a choice but to offer Holiday the max IMO. Would Holiday pass on the money or to potentially more appealing destinations to go to (arguably) a slightly better situation in NY? I don't see him moving him and his wife to NY...but that's just me.

Jeff Teague? Honestly may be the most realistic option (assuming the Pacers and him don't work out something...he is...btw...also from Indiana) but he's not exactly a pass first PG either. He entered the NBA as a combo type guard and made his stake at being able to drive to the basket. He's a slashing score first PG. Would he really be a better option than Rose? Teague's best seasons have been kinda only slightly better than Rose's worst seasons.

And then there's George Hill. Yep, Hill is enjoying the best season of his career in Utah averaging 20ppg while shooting a crazy 53% from the field and 45% from 3. Definitely the flavor of the month among fantasy fans. But he still has managed just 4.2 assists per game. There are many things that Hill does well. He's smart. He defends. He competes. He's a veteran. He's experienced in winning. And...this season...he's also a heck of a scorer. But there's one thing that Hill has never been and that is a pass first PG. He's even less of one than Rose is. Just not what he is. When he was manning the point in Indiana, the Pacers were consistently among the slowest and least offensively efficient teams in the NBA. I don't see him being a better PG option than Rose. A better player? Sure...this season...so far. Would you want to commit big bucks on a guy that is basically having a career year in a contract year?

--

Bottom line is that I don't think it's going to be easy to replace Rose (do better) regardless of whether it's a good idea or not (and it may not be).

Some good points, and I agree that the options of Paul, Holiday or drafting a really good Pg are probably long shots. Teague and Hill will probably cost a ton as well even if they are options.

More realistically, we may be looking at Rose or a cheaper PG such as Collison, Mills, Livingston or even Jennings. I would still rather the cheaper pg option then Rose at $20+mil. Our defense really needs help as well. I would maybe look to spend a little for a defensive wing or just 1 year rentals and save up along with a cheaper pg.

I really don't like the idea of locking Rose up for $20+mil though. It may lock us up into a mediocre team with a few big contracts plus his injury history is a factor.

[kane2021]

We already locked up into a mediocre team with a few big contracts though.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

[NBA Fan 1234]

Much better than I feared. Serioulsy, other than CP3(not happening) who also has a long injury and Lowry, is there a better option out there. Oh, there is Childress but, don't think he'll come either.

I think Jennings and Rose are likely the best options available now and in the offseason. Guys saying don't resign him haven't given any other options or, aren't aware of them.

Guys saying don't sign Rose want us to get someone in the draft, try to trade for someone, or go after Jrue. Those two options are significantly better than extending Rose. Paul's injury history is not as bad as Rose's AND his game will absolutely age better, so people pointing to age point to a moot point.

You mean "Those three options"? You said "those two options".

But in any case playing Devil's Advocate...

Sure there are better options in all 3 arenas (draft, trade, free agency) but how many of them are realistic?

Via Draft

The Knicks are good enough to get into the playoffs or, at worst, end up at the bottom portion of the lottery. There are a lot of potential PG prospects in this draft but pretty much all of them are projected to go in the early part of the lottery. Looking at DX's mock draft, of the group of PG prospects (Fultz, Smith Jr, Ball, Fox, Monk, etc.) the only guy that they currently project outside the top 10 is Frank Ntilinkina and he's projected to go 12th. After that it's a whole bunch of bigs then a combo guard like Edmond Sumner at 25. This is not a tanking team, at least not by choice, so unless multiple players get hurt chances are probably good that they will not be able to get any of them in the draft. And Ntilikina isn't likely going to be able to step in right away to run the show.

Nor do the Knicks really have enough assets to move up into the sweet spot of the lottery to be able to draft one of the name guys). The Knicks arguably best option (strategically tank) was something that Jackson chose not to pursue...so I'm not sure how viable the draft is as a solution to a replacement for Rose.

Via Trade

The Knicks really don't have a lot of tradable assets that can net an major impact player. Porzingis isn't being traded and Anthony has that NTC which, combined with his "lesser" play, isn't going to be easy to flip for a better option than Rose at PG. Once you exclude Porzingis and Anthony, and assuming Rose won't be here, that leaves you with "assets" like Courtney Lee, Willy Hernangomez, their own 2017 1st round pick, Kyle O'Quinn, Mindaugus Kuzminskas. You got a couple fine role players and a couple 1st year guys that may be of some interest and that 1st round pick, but I don't see any impact starting PG that could be had for that unless you are thinking Ricky Rubio?

A Ricky Rubio may be the most realistic option to upgrade the point and you basically would be trading for a guy that simply cannot shoot or score to go with a C that can't shoot or score either, and a SG that also really isn't offensively skilled. I'm sure Carmelo Anthony will be very excited at the notion that he'll have to carry a HUGE portion of the scoring burden.

Via Free Agency

Assuming they renounce Rose (which they will have to, to even start talking about signing any of the big name PG's) and not counting Jennings cap hold, they will have roughly $77 million committed to 10 players. Assuming they want to bring back Jennings we're looking at $85 million of the cap consumed. Add in their 1st round pick and roster holds and we're close to $88-89 million. I believe the salary cap for the summer of 2017 is projected to be $102 million. It's debatable right now if they even will have a max cap slot much less whether they can sign any of the max guys. They would likely have to move either Noah or Lee to be able to create a max slot. But assuming they do that and replace either guy with next to nothing, what are the chances that any of the free agent PG's will want to sign with the Knicks?

Chris Paul is in a very good place right now, his team is doing better than it's ever done and he has a comfort zone there. The biggest detractor for him staying there (former owner Donald Sterling) was removed years ago. Would Jackson be willing to let Anthony try to convince his BFF to come to NY even though Jackson didn't want Anthony involved this past offseason in any free agent moves? The Clips have money. They want to win. It is not unfeasible, even at his age, that they be willing to pay him more than any other team would be willing to offer to stay with a top team that he's familiar with. There's also rumors that the Spurs (who will have money to spend) will be a hot spot for him as he tries to win a championship. Not likely that he'll be coming to NY.

As far as Kyle Lowry goes, if the Raptors were willing to shell out crazy money for Derozan (so far looking like an MVP candidate) I can't possibly see them letting Lowry go without a fight. They know they have a hard time attracting free agents. Letting Lowry go means they'd have to go find another top PG and that's just not going to work out in their favor...especially considering that they have even less salary cap wiggle room than the Knicks. They'll likely go max to keep that pair together. Would Lowry jump? Lowry is from Philly so it's theoretically possible, I guess, that he wants to head back state side. But he'll pretty much the 2nd most positively impactful PG in free agency and has been an advanced stats wet dream for years so he's likely also going to be seeing his fair share of suitors. Would he come to NY? I don't see it. He has no specific ties to NY nor any of it's players, front office or coaching staff.

Sure Jrue Holiday is a possibility (not like he's winning anything in NO) but Holiday is a West Coast guy. His wife Lauren has roots in Indiana (though she went to school in UCLA). If he wants to situate her close to her family then the Pacers (Jeff Teague will be a free agent after this season and the Pacers will have salary cap space so if Teague leaves...) would be a potential serious suitor. Same with the Clips if Chris Paul actually flies the coup. Dell Demps really doesn't have a choice but to offer Holiday the max IMO. Would Holiday pass on the money or to potentially more appealing destinations to go to (arguably) a slightly better situation in NY? I don't see him moving him and his wife to NY...but that's just me.

Jeff Teague? Honestly may be the most realistic option (assuming the Pacers and him don't work out something...he is...btw...also from Indiana) but he's not exactly a pass first PG either. He entered the NBA as a combo type guard and made his stake at being able to drive to the basket. He's a slashing score first PG. Would he really be a better option than Rose? Teague's best seasons have been kinda only slightly better than Rose's worst seasons.

And then there's George Hill. Yep, Hill is enjoying the best season of his career in Utah averaging 20ppg while shooting a crazy 53% from the field and 45% from 3. Definitely the flavor of the month among fantasy fans. But he still has managed just 4.2 assists per game. There are many things that Hill does well. He's smart. He defends. He competes. He's a veteran. He's experienced in winning. And...this season...he's also a heck of a scorer. But there's one thing that Hill has never been and that is a pass first PG. He's even less of one than Rose is. Just not what he is. When he was manning the point in Indiana, the Pacers were consistently among the slowest and least offensively efficient teams in the NBA. I don't see him being a better PG option than Rose. A better player? Sure...this season...so far. Would you want to commit big bucks on a guy that is basically having a career year in a contract year?

--

Bottom line is that I don't think it's going to be easy to replace Rose (do better) regardless of whether it's a good idea or not (and it may not be).

Draft - the guys listed on DX are just top prospects and not an actual mock, yet. Statistically, there are few teams that legitimately need PGs and will either be looking to package the pick because of that. I can see teams either trading down to where we will unfortunately be because where we are, there will be more wing players and big guys. I don't think Frank can come in day one, but I do think he can play the position (and off ball) when he does get drafted - pair him next to a cheaper guard from FA (like Collison, Jennings on another deal that will allow us to move him to bench once Frank is ready, etc).

Trade - Rubio is the guy I was thinking of. I'd take Bledsoe as well even with his injury concerns, if we are able to unload Courtney Lee. Patty Mills could be available depending on how Murray progresses. There could be guys available, but now the question is do we have enough to get them?

FA - I don't disagree with a single thing you said

My main point was that the guy who I quoted said nobody is naming names, which wasn't true, and that bringing back Rose is a terrible terrible idea. I also think it'd be easy to find someone who can replicate Rose's impact, without the facade of nice stats - even if it's not 100%, you gotta figure with an added pick and KP's progression, it should be enough. If we're average again (or suck), 2018 draft has some solid guys we could use.
...you had to catch the number gaffe, huh?

[NoLayupRule]

But in any case playing Devil's Advocate...

Sure there are better options in all 3 arenas (draft, trade, free agency) but how many of them are realistic?

Via Draft

The Knicks are good enough to get into the playoffs or, at worst, end up at the bottom portion of the lottery. There are a lot of potential PG prospects in this draft but pretty much all of them are projected to go in the early part of the lottery. Looking at DX's mock draft, of the group of PG prospects (Fultz, Smith Jr, Ball, Fox, Monk, etc.) the only guy that they currently project outside the top 10 is Frank Ntilinkina and he's projected to go 12th. After that it's a whole bunch of bigs then a combo guard like Edmond Sumner at 25. This is not a tanking team, at least not by choice, so unless multiple players get hurt chances are probably good that they will not be able to get any of them in the draft. And Ntilikina isn't likely going to be able to step in right away to run the show.

Nor do the Knicks really have enough assets to move up into the sweet spot of the lottery to be able to draft one of the name guys). The Knicks arguably best option (strategically tank) was something that Jackson chose not to pursue...so I'm not sure how viable the draft is as a solution to a replacement for Rose.

Via Trade

The Knicks really don't have a lot of tradable assets that can net an major impact player. Porzingis isn't being traded and Anthony has that NTC which, combined with his "lesser" play, isn't going to be easy to flip for a better option than Rose at PG. Once you exclude Porzingis and Anthony, and assuming Rose won't be here, that leaves you with "assets" like Courtney Lee, Willy Hernangomez, their own 2017 1st round pick, Kyle O'Quinn, Mindaugus Kuzminskas. You got a couple fine role players and a couple 1st year guys that may be of some interest and that 1st round pick, but I don't see any impact starting PG that could be had for that unless you are thinking Ricky Rubio?

A Ricky Rubio may be the most realistic option to upgrade the point and you basically would be trading for a guy that simply cannot shoot or score to go with a C that can't shoot or score either, and a SG that also really isn't offensively skilled. I'm sure Carmelo Anthony will be very excited at the notion that he'll have to carry a HUGE portion of the scoring burden.

Via Free Agency

Assuming they renounce Rose (which they will have to, to even start talking about signing any of the big name PG's) and not counting Jennings cap hold, they will have roughly $77 million committed to 10 players. Assuming they want to bring back Jennings we're looking at $85 million of the cap consumed. Add in their 1st round pick and roster holds and we're close to $88-89 million. I believe the salary cap for the summer of 2017 is projected to be $102 million. It's debatable right now if they even will have a max cap slot much less whether they can sign any of the max guys. They would likely have to move either Noah or Lee to be able to create a max slot. But assuming they do that and replace either guy with next to nothing, what are the chances that any of the free agent PG's will want to sign with the Knicks?

Chris Paul is in a very good place right now, his team is doing better than it's ever done and he has a comfort zone there. The biggest detractor for him staying there (former owner Donald Sterling) was removed years ago. Would Jackson be willing to let Anthony try to convince his BFF to come to NY even though Jackson didn't want Anthony involved this past offseason in any free agent moves? The Clips have money. They want to win. It is not unfeasible, even at his age, that they be willing to pay him more than any other team would be willing to offer to stay with a top team that he's familiar with. There's also rumors that the Spurs (who will have money to spend) will be a hot spot for him as he tries to win a championship. Not likely that he'll be coming to NY.

As far as Kyle Lowry goes, if the Raptors were willing to shell out crazy money for Derozan (so far looking like an MVP candidate) I can't possibly see them letting Lowry go without a fight. They know they have a hard time attracting free agents. Letting Lowry go means they'd have to go find another top PG and that's just not going to work out in their favor...especially considering that they have even less salary cap wiggle room than the Knicks. They'll likely go max to keep that pair together. Would Lowry jump? Lowry is from Philly so it's theoretically possible, I guess, that he wants to head back state side. But he'll pretty much the 2nd most positively impactful PG in free agency and has been an advanced stats wet dream for years so he's likely also going to be seeing his fair share of suitors. Would he come to NY? I don't see it. He has no specific ties to NY nor any of it's players, front office or coaching staff.

Sure Jrue Holiday is a possibility (not like he's winning anything in NO) but Holiday is a West Coast guy. His wife Lauren has roots in Indiana (though she went to school in UCLA). If he wants to situate her close to her family then the Pacers (Jeff Teague will be a free agent after this season and the Pacers will have salary cap space so if Teague leaves...) would be a potential serious suitor. Same with the Clips if Chris Paul actually flies the coup. Dell Demps really doesn't have a choice but to offer Holiday the max IMO. Would Holiday pass on the money or to potentially more appealing destinations to go to (arguably) a slightly better situation in NY? I don't see him moving him and his wife to NY...but that's just me.

Jeff Teague? Honestly may be the most realistic option (assuming the Pacers and him don't work out something...he is...btw...also from Indiana) but he's not exactly a pass first PG either. He entered the NBA as a combo type guard and made his stake at being able to drive to the basket. He's a slashing score first PG. Would he really be a better option than Rose? Teague's best seasons have been kinda only slightly better than Rose's worst seasons.

And then there's George Hill. Yep, Hill is enjoying the best season of his career in Utah averaging 20ppg while shooting a crazy 53% from the field and 45% from 3. Definitely the flavor of the month among fantasy fans. But he still has managed just 4.2 assists per game. There are many things that Hill does well. He's smart. He defends. He competes. He's a veteran. He's experienced in winning. And...this season...he's also a heck of a scorer. But there's one thing that Hill has never been and that is a pass first PG. He's even less of one than Rose is. Just not what he is. When he was manning the point in Indiana, the Pacers were consistently among the slowest and least offensively efficient teams in the NBA. I don't see him being a better PG option than Rose. A better player? Sure...this season...so far. Would you want to commit big bucks on a guy that is basically having a career year in a contract year?

--

Bottom line is that I don't think it's going to be easy to replace Rose (do better) regardless of whether it's a good idea or not (and it may not be).

exactly Moo

great post

the reality is a lot harder than the finger pointing and complaining

For me Rose isn't my preferred player in any way. Not in style, attitude, impact or health. And salary will be a scary thing with him.

However the other options are worse and consistency is something this team seems to simply ignore year after year

were likelier to improve from within than without at this point, with some exceptions
Id be happy to see us spend that 10mil or 20 mil we have next year on another guard

I think were seeing Rose playing his best ball with Jennings on the floor too
Rose at this point may be better off in a two guard system

Right now Jennings is our only other PG of note so we can only do so much of that
But if we were to add a guy like Rubio - or Hill, or MCW, or patty Mills or Ty Evans - we would have more options to run with Rose and still play bench mins

unless we luck out with Baker or Randall
But I can't bank on that

[Sark]

We already locked up into a mediocre team with a few big contracts though.


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We've been addicted to signing older players to massive deals for a decade+. Isn't it time to finally break the habit?

[Meat]

$25 million for Rose would be crippling. Better to just bring up Chasson Randle and save the cap space.

save it for what?

Other players, more players, more flexibility. I'm not saying these are necessarily better options that Rose, but they are legitimate alternatives. We already have a significant portion of the cap committed to Noah for 3 more years. An additional 3 years of $25 million for Rose would pretty much put us right at the cap, with limited options to improve the team.

what other players, ny has never ever attracted a marquee free agent.

[Deeeez Knicks]

We already locked up into a mediocre team with a few big contracts though.


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We still have room for one more big contract or a few other pieces. I would just look to spend that money wisely. I don't think Rose is the answer.

[jumpstart]

daaaaamn, ya'll see that cross over? dude is poised for a max contract. awww sheeeit

[Deeeez Knicks]

save it for what?

Other players, more players, more flexibility. I'm not saying these are necessarily better options that Rose, but they are legitimate alternatives. We already have a significant portion of the cap committed to Noah for 3 more years. An additional 3 years of $25 million for Rose would pretty much put us right at the cap, with limited options to improve the team.

what other players, ny has never ever attracted a marquee free agent.

Spending big bucks on players past their prime hasn't worked out either though

[JohnStarksTheDunk]

save it for what?

Other players, more players, more flexibility. I'm not saying these are necessarily better options that Rose, but they are legitimate alternatives. We already have a significant portion of the cap committed to Noah for 3 more years. An additional 3 years of $25 million for Rose would pretty much put us right at the cap, with limited options to improve the team.

what other players, ny has never ever attracted a marquee free agent.

It doesn't all have to be spent on one guy. And again, the flexibility of either be under the cap, or not having all of your money tied into an untradeable contract, can be an asset.

Again, just saying these are other options. Perhaps locking in our current roster for the next three years is still the best way to go.

[JohnStarksTheDunk]

We already locked up into a mediocre team with a few big contracts though.


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We still have room for one more big contract or a few other pieces. I would just look to spend that money wisely. I don't think Rose is the answer.

The fact that we already have $25 million per year invested in Noah and Lance, who will both be untradeable, is all the more reason to be careful about how we spend.

[HEZI]

We already locked up into a mediocre team with a few big contracts though.


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We still have room for one more big contract or a few other pieces. I would just look to spend that money wisely. I don't think Rose is the answer.

The fact that we already have $25 million per year invested in Noah and Lance, who will both be untradeable, is all the more reason to be careful about how we spend.

We are only in year 1 of the new salary cap increase

Wait until the 2017 free agents start getting their contracts, ours won't look so bad. Things are about to start balancing out as more players start hitting the free agent market

[Sark]

No other great options is not a reason to overpay someone, or bid against yourself. 29 other teams are not giving him $25 million a year. We shouldn't either.

[JohnStarksTheDunk]

were likelier to improve from within than without at this point, with some exceptions
Id be happy to see us spend that 10mil or 20 mil we have next year on another guard

I think were seeing Rose playing his best ball with Jennings on the floor too
Rose at this point may be better off in a two guard system

Right now Jennings is our only other PG of note so we can only do so much of that
But if we were to add a guy like Rubio - or Hill, or MCW, or patty Mills or Ty Evans - we would have more options to run with Rose and still play bench mins

unless we luck out with Baker or Randall
But I can't bank on that

But if we pay Rose $25 million, we aren't going to have $10-20 million next year to spend. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the cap projected to be around $102 million next year? That means we'd pretty much already be there, and that's even without re-signing Jennings or Holiday.

I actually like the idea of pairing Rose with a point guard, but I don't see how we're going to get Hill, MCW, or Patty Mills.