Free Agent Options for the Knicks' Final Roster Spot

Amir Coffey shot 43% from three-point range (on nearly 200 attempts) and 91% from the free-throw line over the first half of last season.

I originally planned to use today's newsletter to recap Mike Brown's introductory press conference, which was held Tuesday afternoon at the Knicks' practice facility in Tarrytown. However, if we're being honest, the entire presser was a big nothingburger.

And, ya know what, that's a good thing. There were no controversial or contentious remarks. No throwing previous employers or former head coaches under the bus. Instead, we heard plenty of platitudes and cliches. Brown deftly dodged questions about the rotation and potential starting lineups, etc. Obviously, he has plenty of ideas about how to hide KAT/JB defensively when opponents run high pick-and-rolls, and strategies he believes will fully maximize the team's offensive potential. But he didn't get deep into the weeds during his first opportunity to chat with the Knicks' press corps.

Mike Brown used a whole lot of words to not say anything at all. And that's a crucial skill to have as a head coach in the NBA, especially in New York.

Thus, let's move on to how the front office plans to round out the roster Brown will coach...

As I detailed in Monday's newsletter, due to Guerschon Yabuselee signing for less than the full taxpayer mid-level exception, New York has the financial flexibility to sign any available free agent, regardless of their years of service in the NBA, to a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum.

Most of this summer's free agent crop has already been gobbled up, but there are quite a few quality players still looking for a home. Thus, Leon Rose and the Knicks front office have plenty of intriguing options to consider.

Let's take a look at some of the prominent names still on the open market (along with some that may soon become unrestricted free agents):

Al Horford (Boston Celtics):

Horford is arguably the top unrestricted big man without a team. However, despite Boston team president Brad Stevens confirming earlier this week that Big Al re-signing with the Celtics is "unlikely," the Knicks don't seem to be in the running for his services. Horford has been rumored to be a top target for the Warriors, who can offer him their full mid-level exception. The Lakers and the Nuggets are reportedly interested as well. ESPN's Brian Windhorst has also reported that Horford is considering retiring from the NBA this offseason.

Malcolm Brogdon (Washington Wizards):

There are still plenty of solid PGs on the market, including Brogdon. The last time we saw him stay healthy, he averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists for Boston and edged out Immanuel Quickley for the Sixth Man of the Year award. However, that was two seasons ago.

Russell Westbrook (Denver Nuggets):

Signing Russ made some sense before the Knicks added Jordan Clarkson and Yabusele. However, it's incredibly unlikely New York would want to bring in Westbrook at this point. Likewise, Russ would likely be unwilling to settle for the limited role the Knicks could offer. At this stage of the game, when established vets are choosing between different teams, assured playing time is a crucial concern.

Bradley Beal (Phoenix Suns):

It sounds like it's only a matter of time before the Suns and Beal agree to a buyout. Beal was a negative asset when he was getting paid $55 million annually. But at less than $3 million for the vet min, that's incredible value. The issue for New York is that we can safely assume they are unappealing to Beal. He'll be searching for a place where he is guaranteed significant minutes (either as a starter or off the bench) and plenty of shots.

Marcus Smart (Washington Wizards):