Centers: Dwight Howard, Joakim Noah,Pau Gasol, Hassan Whiteside, Al Jefferson, Bismack Biyombo, Roy Hibbert
The Knicks didn’t get Rose for free; they had to part ways with their consistent big man, Robin Lopez. Unless Phil Jackson and Jeff Hornacek plan to move Porzingis to the center full-time, New York will need to add a bonafide rim protector to the paint.
C Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
https://vine.co/v/ia0TZBIIp1p
- 30 years old
- Averaged 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks in 2015-16
- Three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year
ESPN.com’s Ian Begley reports New York is one of several destinations free agent center Dwight Howard would consider. Howard, however, declined a $23.2 million player option in Houston.
It is unclear if Knicks president Phil Jackson is interested in bringing on the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Howard averaged 13.7 points on only 8.5 field goal attempts per game, both career-lows since his rookie season.
If there is interest, Howard’s asking price may be too high.
By dealing Robin Lopez, look for Knicks to possibly pursue Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol or Dwight Howard in free agency.
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) June 22, 2016
The Knicks are one of several teams Dwight Howard would consider in free agency, per sources. More: https://t.co/53OFr23FX7
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 22, 2016
C Joakim Noah, Houston Rockets
https://vine.co/v/O3nTaK9Wr6K
- 31 years old
- Averaged 4.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and one block in 2015-16
- 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- Played only 29 games before dislocating shoulder
Begley also reported New York has discussed reuniting Rose with Joakim Noah, a New York native who has a relationship with Anthony. Noah earned $13.4 million in salary last season in Chicago.
The former Defensive Player of the Year shot at a .383 clip from the field last season, the worst among all centers to play more than 13 minutes per game, per Basketball-Reference. Because of his New York City roots and relationship with Rose, Noah may be the most likely option at center.
Noah turns 32 in February. He will likely command a similar salary and stability with his next contract.
Sources: In addition to the Knicks, the Nets also have interest in free agent Joakim Noah. He attended Brooklyn's Poly Prep HS for two years
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 22, 2016
Bulls still plan to sit down with Noah come July 1. What's crazy is Knicks make sense for Noah. So do Lakers.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 22, 2016
PF/C Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
https://vine.co/v/ijqwUWFgV3e
- 35 years old
- Averaged 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks in 2015-16
- Won two championships under Phil Jackson’s Los Angeles Lakers (2008-09, 2009-10)
Pau Gasol is a Jackson favorite available on the market this summer.
Gasol, 35, had a statistically better season than both Howard and Noah in Chicago last year. Opponents shot 46.3 percent when attacking Pau Gasol at the rim, a lower percentage than both Noah (.524) and Howard (.497).
The belief is the 2015 All-NBA Second Team selection will look to sign with a contender. However, the allure of reuniting with Jackson and grooming a young European talent in Porzingis will force Gasol to give New York a serious look.
Knicks on verge of addressing their point guard needs by trading for Derrick Rose as @WojVerticalNBA reports. Opens door to sign Noah or Pau
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) June 22, 2016
If Rose stays healthy, don't see how Knicks aren't a playoff team next year. Especially if they sign Gasol. Rose is great fit in NY.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 23, 2016
Other free agent big men include Hassan Whiteside, Bismack Biyombo, Al Jefferson and Roy Hibbert. Miami will likely offer Whiteside a max contract to retain his services, and after an impressive playoff performance.
Biyombo fits the profile of the athletic, rim-protecting centers Hornacek liked in Phoenix (see Tyson Chandler, Miles Plumlee), but he is due a major pay raise after an impressive playoff performance in Toronto.