The New York Knicks have continued to build out their roster this Summer, bringing in valuable depth pieces in Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
After losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, they are looking to address their weaknesses and shore up the roster for another deep postseason run.
They still have one open roster spot remaining, and with a number of quality options still available, the Knicks will look to bring in one more player ahead of training camp. They reportedly have their eyes on a free agent sharp-shooter, but thanks to financial restrictions, it may be impossible to bring him to New York.
Knicks Interested in Malik Beasley, but Could Be Outbid by Other Teams
Free agent shooting guard Malik Beasley was recently cleared of a federal gambling investigation that had put his free agency on hold. Since then, he has become one of the most sought-after available players thanks to his three-point shooting ability.
Ian Begley of SNY reported that the Knicks have interest in signing the former Detroit Piston, but Jake Fischer of the Stein Line says financial roadblocks may prevent it from happening.
“Sources say Beasley will ultimately be seeking a deal north of the veteran minimum and would figure to command that — if the 28-year-old can indeed play on with no off-court obstacles — after he shot a robust 41.6% from deep last season on high volume,” Fischer wrote.
Unfortunately for the Knicks, all they can offer Beasley is the veteran minimum. Thanks to the dreaded second-apron (that New York is already pushing up against), they would be unable to match any offers from other teams that Fischer reports are interested in the marksman’s services.
It seems more likely that Beasley will return to the Pistons, who were reportedly prepared to give him a three-year, $42 million contract before the investigation was announced. Detroit won’t be offering that pact anytime soon, though, and would probably bring the guard back on a one-year $7.2 million prove-it deal.
Regardless, the Knicks still have one more player to sign, and if it’s not Beasley, there are still a number of shooters they could sign, such as Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet.
