This is my ideal summer for the New York Knicks and includes key dates to the offseason. The main strategy was to keep the Knicks options fluid for the future while making the playoffs. This plan is contingent on the Spurs wanting to rebuild their franchise. If they do decide to do so, Knicks should be interested in 34-year-old LaMarcus Aldridge. I believe this could be a playoff team as constructed here. They would be able to chase major free agents next summer. If they fail to convert, they can resign Aldridge and continue to develop the younger players.
August 20, 2020 – The NBA Lottery:
NBA Lottery Results: Knicks win the #1 pick
October 16, 2020 – Draft Night:
Knicks select #1 Pick Lamelo Ball, PG Spire Institute
Knicks select #27 Pick (acquired in Clippers trade) Cassius Stanley, G Duke
DRAFT NIGHT TRADE #1:
Julius Randle + Dennis Smith Jr. + 2020 Knicks 2nd round 39th pick (Aleksej Pokusevski) + 2023 Dallas Pick
for
LaMarcus Aldridge
DRAFT NIGHT TRADE #2:
Knicks offer cash considerations to Celtics for Pick #46
Knicks select at #46th Pick, Derrick Alston Jr., G/SF Boise State
October 17, 2020 – Last day for a team or player option to be exercised
Knicks release Bobby Portis
Knicks release Taj Gibson
Knicks release Wayne Ellington
October 18, 2020: – Knicks Sign Players to G League
Knicks sign undrafted Omer Yurtseven to Westchester Knicks G League roster
Knicks sign LiAngelo Ball to Westchester Knicks G League Roster
October 19 – October 23 – Free Agent Moratorium
SIGN & TRADE AGREEMENT:
Elfrid Payton, Reggie Bullock, and 2021 Mavs 1st Round Pick
for
Brandon Ingram (approximately 5 years / $150 million)
Damyean Dotson accepts 2 years / $11 million offer from Knicks
October 25, 2020: Free Agency
Knicks sign Chris Boucher for 1+1 years / $5 million per season
Knicks sign Lamar Peters to a 2-way contract
Knicks sign Jared Harper to a 2-way contract
Knicks resign Maurice Harkless to an 1+1 years / $6 million per season
Knicks sign Shabazz Napier to an 1+1 years / $3 million per season
Knicks sign Kenny Wooten to 1 year / $3 million season
2020-2021 Training Camp Roster
Point Guards: Lamelo Ball / Frank Ntilikina / Shabazz Napier
Shooting Guards: RJ Barrett / Damyean Dotson / Cassius Stanley
Small Forwards: Brandon Ingram / Mo Harkless / Ignas Brazdeikis / Derrick Alston Jr.
Power Forwards: LaMarcus Aldridge / Kevin Knox / Kenny Wooten
Centers: Mitchell Robinson / Chris Boucher
