2020 NBA Free Agency

Once again in free agency, the New York Knicks had about $30M to spend and play around with, but with a weak free agent class this offseason, they decided to just sign veterans and role players that could help the youth on this roster. After deciding not to go after big contracts this offseason, the Knicks will have close to $50M in cap space to spend next offseason, an offseason that could be vital to the Knicks success moving forward.

However, this offseason, New York decided to sign Elfrid Payton, Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel to one-year contracts, as well as Austin Rivers to a three-year contract worth about $10M. Payton was originally waived by the Knicks to free up some cap room, but after deciding to not pursue any big name free agents, the Knicks opted to re-sign Payton to a one-year, $5M deal, saving them $1M in total. 

Alec Burks is a solid player on the wing for New York who should be a great role player that could start at the small-forward position. Kevin Knox has underperformed last season and could be on his way out the door in the near future if he does not perform well this year. Nerlens Noel is another solid role player that will provide depth behind Mitchell Robinson in the frontcourt.

Austin Rivers signing with the Knicks was a little bit of a surprise because of the fact that the Knicks have 6-7 guards under contract for next season. Rivers spent the past two seasons with the Houston Rockets and was a key contributor off the bench for them.

This offseason the Knicks also made a trade for Jacob Evans III, Omari Spellman, and a 2026 second-round pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for center Ed Davis, who New York had recently acquired from Utah in exchange for two future second-round picks and cash considerations. Both players should be solid options off the bench this upcoming season in New York.