Target #3: Jerami Grant – Denver Nuggets – 2019-20 Salary: $9.4M (Expected: $12M-$15M)
Jerami Grant would cost the Knicks a little bit more than a player like Christian Wood, but he is also a much better, well-rounded player. Grant is coming off of two of his best seasons in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and coming off a great playoff run in the NBA Bubble, where the Denver Nuggets reached the Western Conference Finals.
Last season, Grant averaged 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 0.8 blocks while shooting 47.8% from the floor and 38.9% from three-point range. The 6’8” forward is an extremely versatile player who has been getting better offensively and is great defensively. His two-way play is what all NBA teams are looking for in free agency this year and Grant is a player who can come in now and be comfortable guarding any player on the court.
The New York Knicks were the 9th worst defensive team a season ago and the addition of a player like Grant would bolster their defensive efforts on the wing and in the paint. Not to mention he is becoming a better and better shooter from the perimeter, making him an intriguing 3-and-D player for years to come.
The Nuggets traded away a first-round pick a year ago to acquire Jerami Grant from the OKC Thunder so it would not be easy for the Knicks to go out and sign him, but it is very do-able seeing that they have the cap space to go out and offer him any amount they want. If the Knicks want to bolster their depth with a guy who can play both forward positions, Jerami Grant is a guy who can come in and contribute immediately as a solid third option.
