Veteran forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is on the Knicks‘ radar as a potential free agent target, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post.
As Berman explains, there are a handful of reasons why Kidd-Gilchrist appeals to New York — he’s a defensive-minded player who would fit in under new head coach Tom Thibodeau, and the Knicks view him as a “solid locker room guy.”
Additionally, Kidd-Gilchrist has ties to coaches and executives who have joined the Knicks organization over the course of the year. The former No. 2 overall pick played his college ball at Kentucky under new Knicks assistant Kenny Payne, and is a client of CAA, the agency Knicks president of basketball operations Leon Rose ran before joining the franchise.
While Kidd-Gilchrist may draw some interest from teams in need of another wing defender, he’s not expected to command a significant salary. The Knicks view him as someone who could help shore up their defense off the bench at a modest price, according to Berman, who notes that the team is unlikely to re-sign free agent forward Maurice Harkless.
Kidd-Gilchrist spent the first seven-and-a-half years of his career in Charlotte, averaging 8.6 PPG and 5.5 RPG in 433 total games (25.1 MPG) for the club. He was bought out after last season’s trade deadline and joined the Mavericks for the stretch run, but played sparingly for Dallas. Having made just 27.2% of his 103 career three-point attempts, Kidd-Gilchrist can’t be relied upon as a floor spacer.
Knicks will boost their playoff chances if they sign MKG, bring back Raymond Felton and Marbury!
Did the Knicks bring back Thib’s poster child Taj Gibson yet? I originally assumed Gibson would be 1 and done in New York but once Thibodeau was hired Taj staying a Knick seemed obvious .. If Taj is back having he and MKG off the bench would give them a very solid defensive pairing in the second unit
It’s good to have a good second unit to keep the crowd entertained in those blowout games.
For what was described he fits the bill but make sure that someone else is taking the shots.
Sure can we also sign Scalabrine and tyreke evans, I mean let’s bring Ewing out of retirement…
They should sign me :)
Yeah but they won’t cause Knicks aren’t good at making smart roster moves lol. Hope a team picks you up
Bruh, leaving Graham on the wire is a smart roster move. Dude can’t shoot.
I’ve been working on my 3 point shot ever since our season ended. I worked with a great shooting coach, and i’m ready to show it!
Keep grinding
Shot .351 on 3’s in Atlanta and .333 for career. Not great but was just making a joke then being nice “Bruh”, but thanks for sharing fish
A “good locker room guy” is one thing the Knicks really need. When you lose as many games as they are likely to, you need someone in the locker room to cheer everyone up.
How about Ronald McDonald?
He does have a cool song. But I think Grimace is more happy.
I think Rose & Co. are just feeding Berman “stories” like this so he’ll go away and stop annoying them. MKG isn’t a “target” of the Knicks or any other team. Closer to a minimum wage signee to fill out the roster.
I wouldn’t mind MKG on the Knicks but why would he leave Dallas and Luka. Any chance the Knicks get Luka to come too. haha
He’s an UFA. Does Dallas even want him back? I think he signed after a buyout and didn’t play that much. Either way, I doubt there’s going to be a bidding war.
to do what exactly?
The Knicks have a radar? I thought they just threw darts blindfolded.
They actually use a plan to their signings. They use the NYC Unemployment Office.
Let’s see that’s Florida and what KC. Talking to NYers about winning. What are you like a one team town. Your base is like a freakin HS to us. Knicks have won more than all your freaking teams put together. And we won’t even get into all our teams.
Everyone likes to see the big guy down. Yes Knicks deserve it. So how exactly does signing a minimum guy get your pants up. Having a good guy on the bench is what we all need. Knicks are finally rebuilding the right way. Thibs is right man In charge. Let’s see how draft goes for my team and yours. Stay tuned
As a Hornets fan… I HATE MKG! I’m so glad he got bought out. He is the absolute worst shooter I’ve ever watched. He’s a decent defender and that’s all you are getting. He has absolutely no idea how to score.
Mkg is good player but hes never got enough minutes to prove he’s a decent player