How This Deal Impacts New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have to make some changes at the point guard position this offseason. They cannot go into the season counting on Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose again, otherwise they risk a repeat of this past season occurring.
While this deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers doesn’t address their point guard need, it does provide the Knicks with a return that doesn’t hurt them. If they can move on from Walke without giving up draft compensation or taking on a player with a longer contract, it is a win for the Knicks.
As previously mentioned, Cedi Osman is under contract through 2024, but the 2023-23 season is non-guaranteed. The Knicks could move on and save that cap space if they choose next offseason. But, Osman is owed a very reasonable $6.7 million that season, so he could very easily fit into their plans.
Osman was a solid reserve for the Cavaliers, averaging 10.7 points per game this season, knocking down a respectable 35.7 percent of his 3-point attempts. He also grabbed 2.2 rebounds and handed out two assists per game while providing versatility on defense, able to defend multiple positions.
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The Knicks don’t have many true small forwards on their roster, so Osman would certainly fill a need from that perspective. Tom Thibodeau’s defense is predicated on the ability to switch, preferring longer players. Osman would fit into that scheme as he can hold his own against backcourt players and is big enough to defend forwards.
Swapping Walker out for Osman would be considered a major victory for the Knicks.
