The New York Knicks‘ offseason plans might change in the next month based on how the rest of the season goes. If the Knicks get healthy and make a strong playoff push, they might keep their current lineup. However, if they fall short of expectations, they could consider making changes. One potential target for the offseason is Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and OG Anunoby. However, if the season doesn't go as planned, the Knicks may look at new options. Among these options is Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report views DeMar DeRozan as the Knicks’ ideal choice.
Bailey has an intriguing suggestion, proposing that DeRozan could come off the bench. Although this would be a new role for him, it is a possibility.
“If we imagine DeRozan coming off the bench to score in major cities, let’s also consider how he could benefit the Knicks.
“The starting lineup already has plenty of scorers with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, but the second unit could use more offense, and DeRozan could provide that against opponent reserves.”
If he’s open to supporting Brunson and Randle from the bench, it would be a great fit for the Knicks. Adding someone who is still among the top scorers in the league against other teams’ second units would be very effective.
DeRozan could also play in crucial moments, so coming off the bench wouldn’t limit his impact.
DeRozan Wants to Play for the Knicks
The New York Knicks are an attractive choice due to their location in New York City. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, DeRozan would prefer to join the Knicks or Miami Heat if he was traded before the deadline.
Amick’s December 1, 2023 article shed light on his preferred playing destinations.
“Regarding possible destinations, if he is traded, DeRozan is known to favor the Heat and Knicks.”
If this remains true in free agency, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up with the Knicks this summer.
Knicks Offseason Plans
The New York Knicks will face tough decisions in the offseason. Securing Anunoby’s re-signing will be their top priority, but there are other tasks for the front office.
Fred Katz of The Athletic stated on January 16 that the Knicks’ long-term goal was to acquire a star. The Knicks didn’t believe there was a star available during the deadline, and while they acquired Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, they kept all their first-round draft picks.
This would enable them to acquire a superstar through a trade in the offseason. They could also acquire someone like DeRozan through free agency.
“The long-term plan is still to add a star to the existing core, but the organization doesn't expect that star, whoever it may be, to become available until this summer at the earliest, according to sources at The Athletic.”
