New York Knicks Interested in Shabazz Muhammad (Report)
Mar 21, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) dribbles in the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in signing Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Shabazz Muhammad.

While finalizing a Carmelo Anthony trade and getting a veteran point guard are top priorities for the New York Knicks at the moment, free agent Shabazz Muhammad has their attention.

Despite having just $1.5 million in cap room, the Knicks continue to pursue names on the free agent market.

According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s The Undefeated, the Knicks have an interest in Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Shabazz Muhammad.

Minnesota had no use for Muhammad after bringing in Jimmy Butler and they renounced his rights, making him an unrestricted free agent. This makes him far easier for the Knicks to acquire.

Competing with teams like the Hawks and Nets, however, won’t be easy. They both have significant cap room remaining.

Muhammad’s play is generated by his high-flying, powerful arsenal. While a streaky shooter and an inconsistent defender, Muhammad has showcased his ability to be a spark plug off the bench.

To have enough cap space to ink Muhammad though, the Knicks will have to remove some money. They could go forth with doing so by dealing away shooting guard Courtney Lee and by taking back smaller salaries in a potential Melo trade.

For his career, Muhammad has averaged 9.7 points per game on 47.6% shooting.

 
Robbie Stratakos is a New York Knicks/Giants Beat Writer for Elite Sports NY (ESNY); he also covers the NBA nationally. He previously wrote at Last Word On Pro Basketball and Empire Writes Back. In addition to writing for ESNY, Robbie is an MLB columnist at Baseball Essential. He previously wrote at HardBallScoop - part of Scout/CBS Interactive/247Sports, Last Word On Baseball and District On Deck. He is attending Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York. Follow him on twitter @RPStratakos