After not making a move for a point guard at the trade deadline in March, the Knicks are expected to resume their search in the offseason, armed with a handful of potential trade assets and a good deal of cap room.
While younger point guards such as Lonzo Ball and Dennis Schröder have been frequently cited as possible targets for New York, the team also has Raptors veteran Kyle Lowry on its radar for the summer, sources tell Ian Begley of SNY.tv.
The Lakers, Sixers, and Heat were in the running at this year’s trade deadline for Lowry, who ultimately stayed put in Toronto. Now that the six-time All-Star is set to reach unrestricted free agency, those teams could once again pursue him, but the Lakers and Sixers will be well over the cap and would have a hard time completing a sign-and-trade, and the Knicks will have more cap space than Miami. If Leon Rose and his front office are serious about pursuing Lowry, they could emerge as a top suitor and put real pressure on the Raptors.
At age 35, Lowry is expected to seek one more lucrative multiyear deal, but he wouldn’t require a four-year commitment like Ball and Schröder probably will. The idea of signing Lowry to a shorter-term deal could appeal to the Knicks’ front office, since it would allow the team to add an impact player while maintaining cap flexibility for another big move in the next year or two.
Whether or not Lowry will be atop the Knicks’ list of targets remains to be seen. It’s also unclear whether he’d reciprocate that interest — it’s possible he’d prefer to stick with the Raptors, head home to Philadelphia, or team up with good friend Jimmy Butler in Miami.
However, it’s worth noting – as Begley writes, and as we’ve heard from other reporters throughout the season – that the league-wide perception of the Knicks among players and agents seems to be improving. The team’s success in 2020/21 has been a major factor in enhancing New York’s reputation, as has the new front office. According to Begley, agents who have griped in the past about the Knicks’ inability to promptly return calls say that Rose’s group has been far more responsive and upfront in its communication.
In his 15th NBA season, Lowry has been his usual productive self, averaging 17.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in 46 games (34.8 MPG), with a .436/.396/.875 shooting line and solid perimeter defense.
If Lakers want to win championship next year, they need to spend $3 million to sign two starters like Nunn and Duncan Robinson
No Lowry
When you spend $3 million to sign 2 quality starters, you have cap room
Your not getting those 2 guys for 3 mil. Neither have had a big payday yet and they need to get paid.
Kendrick Nunn real value 3 years 30 mil, market value 1 year 1.5 mil.
Duncan Robinson real value 3 years 36 mil, market value 1 year 1.5 mil.
I double checked the amounts
2018-19 season
Robinson salary $79k
Nunn salary $48k
My salary is higher than both players combined
Lol
Heat starters salary is this low
Sure, but they both signed those deals as UDFAs. Any team would love to sign 2 UDFAs off the street and have them turn into year 1 starters, but how often does that happen? Robinson and Nunn didn’t start year 1. Banking on that as a strategy is not realistic at all.
Huh? 3 million?! those guys are worth 10-15m per season.
If they get to play for the Lakers they will sign for just $3M/year, right?
Better than the Rockets
Not sure what Lowry brings at this point that D Rose doesn’t. Don’t think he’ll fall off dramatically next year but are you really bringing him in as a starter? And if not, do you really need more help off the bench? Presumably Quickley et al will be one season better than where they are now. Otherwise that’s a problem Lowry won’t fix.
That and last time I checked he was expecting a 30m per year contract over 3 years
Lowry’s aged well to date. But it’s unlikely he’s going to age well into his year 36, 37, and 38 seasons.
I would pass unless his contract demands end up being a lot lower
He would be a great signing for them.
Lowry would be good on a short term deal. Ruining their future cap space signing him like 4 years is a waste.
…. land DeRozan too, and the prophecy will be fulfilled!
Totally agree DeRozan a perfect fit with current team. Charlotte seems to have some available guards as well who may be of interest.
Why does everyone think stars are signing with Knicks. Did Dolan sell the team? You only have to look over to what’s happening with the Rangers. The village idiot can show up at anytime.
Money is more powerful than working for a crappy owner.
Dinwiddie stats are better. He’s bigger and 27. Why are Knicks now going after everyone. All of a sudden we have some success and we are suppose to be oh, sign EVERYONE . I like Lowry but Dinwiddie is for 5 yrs. Lowry needs to go ring chase. Bye
Ignore. Begley has nothing to write about so he puts out this nonsense. He’s a rising UFA, so I don’t doubt he’s on their radar. It’s also meaningless, other than indicating they’re doing their due diligence. Doesn’t mean he’s a target. BTW, nobody is signing with the Knicks, or not, because an agent gets, or doesn’t get, his phone calls returned quickly. Nobody cares who the owner is either. If the Knicks win, and present a good basketball situation for a FA, they’ll be a factor. If they don’t (as they haven’t for many years) they won’t be.
Raptors definitely need to move on from Lowry. Build for the future and don’t resign him