Entering the second week of NBA free agency, the Knicks still need to fill some big rotation holes, specifically a capable big man to replace departed center Isaiah Hartenstein.
The Knicks currently have center depth in Mitchell Robinson, who has had two ankle surgeries in the past seven months, and Jericho Sims, who has been little used due to Hartenstein, who was acquired from the Thunder in free agency on a three-year, $87 million contract.
Team president Leon Rose managed to get the Knicks under the first apron of the salary cap in an ingenious way by adding an extraneous element to the blockbuster trade with the Nets for Mikal Bridges.
But several big men who fit the profile the Knicks need to replace Hartenstein, including Andre Drummond, Mason Plumlee, Goga Bitadze and Mo Bamba, have already signed new contracts elsewhere.
So who will the Knicks consider as they prepare to offer $5.17 million in the mid-level exception from taxpayers?
With Summer League set to kick off in Las Vegas later this week, here are some of the possibilities that remain.
Precious Achiuwa
The Bronx native played a valuable role through various injuries since being acquired from Toronto in the mid-season trade for OG Anunoby, averaging 7.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 49 games (18 starts) for the Knicks.
An unrestricted free agent who can re-sign using his Bird rights, he played both center and power forward depending on other player availability.
However, Tom Thibodeau prefers to deploy Achiuwa at the No. 4 position.
Robinson is a little small at 6-foot-8, but that’s a big ask if he’s going to be out for an extended period of time.
Walker Kessler
The 23-year-old Jazz center recorded 2.4 blocked shots per game last season, second in the league behind Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, and he fits Thibodeau’s profile as a rim protector.
The 7-foot-tall player was also a member of the U.S. team for the 2023 FIBA World Cup along with Bridges, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
Kessler has a lucrative contract that includes a salary cap hit of $2.97 million through the 2024-25 season plus a club option, but according to The Washington Post’s Stephen Bondy, league executives are skeptical the Knicks have the assets to make a deal happen after trading for Mikal Bridges.
Robert Williams
The Knicks will need to add some salary to acquire the former Celtics big man, who played an injury-shortened season with the Trail Blazers after the trade for Jrue Holiday.
Williams is just returning from knee surgery and has two years, or about $26 million, remaining on his contract.
It would be risky for the Knicks to send a starting pitcher like Donte DiVincenzo to Portland to cover his salary.
Daniel Theis
Perhaps the Knicks could trade the German for another player.
The 32-year-old Theis is not only strong around the rim, but also a stretch big who can make 3-pointers, shooting 37.1 percent from three-point range last season with the Clippers.
JaVale McGee
The three-time NBA champion, now 36, appeared in 46 games off the bench for the Kings last season.
But the 7-foot-tall McGee averaged 1.4 blocks per game in 16 NBA seasons and could be considered as a temporary reserve or veteran option, similar to former many-time Knicks forward Taj Gibson.
Nick Richards
The Hornets’ fourth-year center averaged career-highs of 9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 26.3 minutes per game last season.
Richards, a native of Jamaica who played at the University of Kentucky, is set to make $5 million in each of the next two years.
Paul Reed
The former backup to Joel Embiid was released by the 76ers last week after Philadelphia acquired Andre Drummond in free agency.
But the 6-foot-9 Reed isn’t considered an elite defender (0.8 blocks per game for his career).
Before the Knicks were eliminated from the playoffs after beating the Sixers in six games, Reid publicly stated that his team wanted to face the Knicks in the first round because they were an “easier” opponent than the Celtics.
