The Knicks have six free agents on their roster, two with opt-outs and a superstar player who has hinted at asking for a trade if things don’t go well this summer. Who’s coming back?
SG Langston Galloway
Great character guy for any club but after fade, is he worth $2.8 million qualifying offer Knicks must extend because of big minutes? No longer viewed as a point guard, they’d love him back at minimum money.
SG Sasha Vujacic
Ended season as starter and rumblings are he wants to see if a winning team is interested. Triangle scholar would be fine signing for vet’s minimum if Kurt Rambis sticks.
C Kevin Seraphin
Free agent was unhappy with sketchy playing time on a center-rich club. Phil Jackson blew it, signing Seraphin over Alexey Shved for room exception.
C Lou Amundson
Knicks dipped into remaining cap space to sign the journeyman center who got very limited minutes. Would he come back for vet’s minimum?
PF Kyle O’Quinn
The four-year, $16 million contract he signed no longer looks so economical after a sloppy season in which he didn’t excel on either end consistently.
SF Carmelo Anthony
If Jackson craps out in free agency, and Anthony believes there’s no hope, he could ask for a trade in late summer. Because of Olympics conflict, maybe he’d wait for trade deadline next season. Knicks better get a lot back.
PF Kristaps Porzingis
Only player 100 percent certain to return. Knicks hope 7-foot-3 Latvian stringbean will bulk up and maintain his shooting legs.
SF Lance Thomas
The native New Yorker made massive strides as a 3-point shooter and was their best defender until knee injuries curtailed his season. Would love to be back, but opposing coaches noticed and money comes first.
SG Arron Afflalo
Any chance of the shooting guard opting in ended when Rambis demoted him to the bench, crushing his ego. He’ll make $8 million next season, which he probably could get on a longer-term deal with all teams with major cap space.
SF Derrick Williams
Biggest mystery is what he would command on the open market if he opts out, which he’s hinted at strongly. Their most athletic player, Williams liked his stay, had some big moments and would love to re-up here as free agent, but Lakers or Suns could come calling.
PG Jerian Grant
Started the final seven games and thinks he can be a starter next season. The rookie is a keeper but still has to get better at kicking out passes off his penetrations and develop a reliable 3-point shot.
PG Jose Calderon
The Knicks could save $5 million in cap space if they waive him through the stretch provision. Will depend on free-agent signings but he’s a backup now and willing to be so.
C Robin Lopez
Looks like a mainstay. Became a revelation as a low-post scorer in the triangle and improved his rebounding.
SF Cleanthony Early
Getting shot in the knee during a strip-club robbery in late December foiled his season and ruined Knicks career. Jackson’s first draft pick didn’t show enough upon his return to warrant a new pact.
PG Tony Wroten
Is rehabbing from ACL knee surgery and his legs were even weaker than the Knicks initially thought. They still hope he can participate at training camp.