The New York Knicks are reportedly targeting Boston Celtics point guard Terry Rozier ahead of the free agency period.
Things are heating up as the NBA Free Agency period approaches, starting Sunday, June 30.
If Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker signs with the Boston Celtics, they could then renounce the rights to point guard Terry Rozier. The 25-year old guard would then become an unrestricted free agent.
If that becomes the case, the New York Knicks would reportedly have “serious interest” in signing Rozier, per Marc Berman of the New York Post.
Berman writes “If Rozier entered free agency as restricted, the Knicks would be much more cautious because Boston can match any offer and their cap money would get tied up as the Celtics decide.”
Rozier would be part of an essential backup plan for New York this offseason. If the Knicks were to decide, they would give out two max contracts. They have the financial room to do so as they have cap space of $72 million.
The Knicks are reportedly only considering Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard when it comes to possible max contract offers.
However, if the Knicks don’t land any players to max deals, they could sign some veterans to shorter-term deals. These deals would thus be a lot cheaper, therefore giving the Knicks the opportunity to carry money over to next season.
The money thus carried over would help them make a splash in the 2020 free agency period, which will consist of superstar center Anthony Davis.
Rozier would be a good option for the Knicks for the time being, however. Through 79 games this past year (averaging 22.7 minutes played), Rozier averaged 9.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
He was a big part of the Celtics playoff run during the 2017-2018 postseason that saw Irving sidelined with a knee injury.
