Knicks free agent targets to fill out end-of-the-bench depth

The New York Knicks roster is close to complete.

The Knicks on Tuesday re-signed Precious Achiuwa to a one-year, $6 million, giving them a more experienced backup center. Achiuwa had come to look like the Knicks' best option at backup center.

The Knicks now have 13 players on guaranteed deals. They have one open roster spot and still have the taxpayer mid-level exception, which is worth about $5.2 million. They can also sign players with the veteran's minimum.

Though there aren't a lot of high-quality free agents still remaining, it makes sense for the Knicks to use that exception to add some more veteran depth. It seems likely that the Knicks would sign any free agent to a one-year deal with the MLE to keep open flexibility.

A few things to note: the Knicks don't have to spend the full $5.2 million — they could use a chunk of it to sign a player.

Additionally, this player may very well be in trade rumors. Due to salary-cap restrictions, if the Knicks want to make a trade this season , they'll have to send out equal money. That means, any trade may involve Achiuwa + this MLE candidate (and more) to equal any incoming salary.

Here's a look at a few targets who might make sense.

1. Robert Covington, F

Once a great 3-and-D forward, Covington's best days are clearly behind him. Not only is Covington no longer a lock-down defender, but his three-point percentage fell to 34% last year, and his volume has been down the past two years.

However, as an emergency backup forward, Covington could provide some solid toughness and team defense for the Knicks. Covington also has experience playing the five in super small lineups. We're not sure Tom Thibodeau wants to go that small this season , but it's easy to imagine Covington being useful if there were long-term injuries to Precious Achiuwa, Julius Randle, or OG Anunoby.

And given that whoever the Knicks sign with the MLE figures to be in trade rumors, Covington is also the type of player teams may covet at the deadline.

2. Udoka Azubuike, C

It doesn't seem as if teams are beating down Azubuike's door, so signing him to the MLE may not be necessary. However, he makes sense as a project for the Knicks to take on. He's a big, strong, imposing body who rolls to the rim and finishes with power.

Still just 24 years old, the former first-round pick has struggled with injuries and consistent playing time. But Azubuike has had moments of effectiveness when he's been on the court. In December game with the Phoenix Suns last year, Azubuike finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block in 22 minutes.

One of Tom Thibodeau's strengths seems to be simplifying the game for big men and getting the most out of them. Additionally, the Knicks just hired Mark Bryant, who is regarded as one of the best big men coaches in the league, to Thibodeau's coaching staff.

Azubuike would likely be fourth on the depth chart behind Mitchell Robinson, Achiuwa, and Jericho Sims, but he could be an interesting developmental piece for a team that needs center depth.

3. Reggie Bullock, G/F

It's been an up-and-down three years for Bullock since he left the Knicks in 2021 after one of his best seasons. Last year, with the Rockets, Bullock struggled to get on the floor, playing just 9.5 minutes per game in 44 games. However, he still shot the ball well, hitting 40% of his threes.

Bullock was often asked to guard opponents' best perimeter scorers when he was with the Knicks. He's not that player anymore, but he's a good team defender who will try hard and be in the right places. Similar to Covington, if any of the Knicks' wings were to miss time this year, it's easy to imagine Bullock sliding in and giving the Knicks serviceable minutes.

It helps, too, that Thibodeau knows and seemingly trusts him.

4. Doug McDermott, G

McDermott's appeal is obvious: he's a sharpshooting wing. Even as he's entered his 30s, McDermott remains a good shooter, knocking down 41.5% of his triples over the last three seasons. And he's always been willing to drive it into the lane when his shot is contested.

Earlier in the summer, free agency rumors linked the Knicks to Davis Bertans and Landry Shamet. Those rumors suggested the Knicks had interest in pure floor-spacers who can get hot and add points in a hurry. McDermott holds a similar appeal, and he has been a good locker room presence, even when he's not getting big or regular minutes.

5. Thaddeus Young, F/C

Could Young play a Taj Gibson-like role for the Knicks? The 36-year-old big man rarely plays these days, but he's a proven veteran who brings toughness and sound decision-making. Young isn't someone who should be part of a regular rotation, but he could provide emergency backup minutes while helping to mentor the Knicks' young big men.

Young seems to be at a time in his career when he wants to pursue a championship, so the Knicks could appeal to him, too.