The New York Knicks want to add an athletic wing to the roster. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope fits that description—and rumor has it that he’s on the team’s radar.
You may know Los Angeles Lakers’ swingman Kentavious-Caldwell pope from his most recent scandal—a 25-day stint in Seal Beach Police Department Detention Center in Los Angeles for violation of parole—and the inability to play in games outside the state of California.
But according to the New York Daily News‘ Stefan Bondy, you may eventually know him as a member of the New York Knicks.
As Knicks focus on athletic wings, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is on the radar https://t.co/TWFuyZl2Y0
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) January 22, 2018
“As the Knicks plot out their future during this downtrending season, a particular mold of player remains a priority for the front office, according to sources: an athletic wing.
One of that ilk who has piqued New York’s interest is Lakers forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.”
I’m sure Knicks’ fans would love nothing more than to cheer for a player in an ankle monitor. Seems New York-esque in all actuality.
And really, it’d be such a Knicks’ thing to do.
All is well in New York land, or at least better than it has been in previous years. Team drama has hit an all-time low since they traded Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks are winning games again.
But let’s be honest, New York playing things smart was too good to last.
While he is an elite defender along the wing, KCP will undoubtedly bring a bit of his past with him to Madison Square Garden.
At 24 years old, he’s coming off a one-year deal worth $18 million with the Lakers. He may be looking for the max come this summer.
As Bondy notes, that’s not really within the Knicks’ budget, especially if center Enes Kanter exercises his 2018-2019 player option, which is worth $18.4 million.
Caldwell-Pope is averaging 13.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game with the Lakers this season ahead of his free agency.
For now, though, Knicks fans can breathe easy, as this possibility seems further from reality than most.
