The New York Knicks NBA free agency live tracker deserves it all: the rumors, reports, analysis, and everything in between.
The NBA offseason is really in name only. Of all the major sports leagues, the NBA offseason may be the most compelling of the bunch. The New York Knicks have been front and center in all the drama leading up to the 2019 offseason.
The 2019 free agent class is probably the most talented group since the infamous 2010 class that saw LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh team up for the Miami Heat. In fact, the Knicks traded Kristaps Porzingis with the goal of opening up two slots for max contracts this offseason.
They were also interested in bringing in draft capital and young talent, but the possibility of building their very own superteam was definitely in the calculus of the Porzingis trade.
However, things change in a New York minute in the NBA. The Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving pairing was a long-rumored match for the Knicks, but they are shacking up with the Brooklyn Nets.
There are still a number of free agents on the market for the Knicks. Here’s where they all stand.
Kevin Durant (signed with the Brooklyn Nets per sources)
Kevin Durant is planning to sign a four-year, $164 million deal with the Knicks’ crosstown rival—the Brooklyn Nets—according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Durant is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is the last big fish in the sea. The reigning NBA Finals MVP is taking his time with his decision. According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Leonard will ramp up his free agent process over the next few days. Unlike the rest of the 2019 free agent class, Leonard appears to be in no rush to make a move.
However, after signing a flurry of short-term deals, the Knicks no longer have the cap space to acquire Leonard.
Kyrie Irving (signed with Brooklyn Nets per sources)
Irving, a New Jersey native, is coming home, but he’s joining the Brooklyn Nets. There were reports of mutual interest between Irving and the Nets for weeks. It was labeled a “done deal” by Anthony Puccio of Nets Daily as early as mid-June.
Now, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Irving and the Nets are expected to agree to terms as early as Sunday. It’s no surprise that Irving is heading for Brooklyn with Durant and DeAndre Jordan in tow.
Kemba Walker (signed with Boston Celtics per sources)
Kemba Walker is heading to the Boston Celtics. Tampering? What tampering?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Walker is expected to commit to a max contract with the Celtics when free agency opens.
Walker never entered “realistic” territory for the Knicks. He is a New York native and some of the best moments of his career came in Madison Square Garden. But alas, he never seemed to be a high priority for the Knicks. Marc Berman of the New York Post reported that the Knicks would have considered offering him a max deal if Durant wanted him as a running mate.
Julius Randle (acquired per sources)
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Knicks and Julius Randle have agreed to a three-year deal worth $63 million. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports adds that there is a team option on the third year of the contract.
Terry Rozier (sign-and-trade to Charlotte Hornets per sources)
According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, Terry Rozier is on his way to the Charlotte Hornets in a sign-and-trade for Kemba Walker.
Bobby Portis (acquired per sources)
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Knicks have agreed to a two-year deal worth $31 million. The four-year NBA veteran has had his shares of ups and downs in the NBA but there is no doubting his offensive ability.
Reggie Bullock (acquired per sources)
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Knicks and Bullock are in agreement on a two-year, $21 million deal. The forward is a legitimate catch-and-shoot threat who can help space the floor for New York.
Wayne Ellington (acquired per sources)
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Knicks are going to sign Wayne Ellington to a two-year, $16 million contract. This falls in line with the Knicks’ mission to avoid giving out any long-term contracts. Furthermore, Ellington is a 38% three-point shooter for his career.
Taj Gibson (acquired per sources)
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was first to report that the Knicks had signed Taj Gibson to a two-year, $20 million deal. It might be a slight overpay for Gibson, but his veteran presence should go a long way in this young locker room.
George Hill (re-signed with Milwaukee Bucks per sources)
Shams Charania of The Athletic was first to report that George Hill and the Milwaukee Bucks had reached a three-year, $29 million contract. Hill would have made sense if the Knicks picked up a superstar or two in free agency.
DeAndre Jordan (signed with Brooklyn Nets per sources)
DeAndre Jordan is signing a four-year, $40 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Durant and Irving are both reportedly taking less than the max in order to sign Jordan.
DeMarcus Cousins
The news on the DeMarcus Cousins front is awfully quiet on day one. However, David Aldridge of The Athletic reports that the Knicks have “no plan under discussion to make him a short term offer, per source.”
Updated as of 10:45 a.m. ET on July 1.