Pelica Debrief
Fansided

Knicks’ free agents that will interest the New Orleans Pelicans

By Aaron Kellerstrass

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: Alec Burks #18 of the New York Knicks (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: Alec Burks #18 of the New York Knicks (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans, Lonzo Ball, Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons shoots against Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

When the New York Knicks play the Atlanta Hawks tonight, teams like the New Orleans Pelicans will be monitoring NBA free agents.

The Knicks have a ton of guys who will become unrestricted free agents this summer and at least five of them might interest the Pelicans.

The New Orleans Pelicans have glaring issues to fix, namely their defense and 3-point shooting, which were both near the bottom of the league this season.

Even though Zion Williamson is basically unstoppable, the Pelicans need shooters to have a more dynamic offense around him.

They also desperately need guys who are committed on the defensive end and know how to make smart basketball plays. The Knicks won’t have any superstars hitting the open market, but they have a number of role players who can provide defense and/or 3-point shooting.

The Knicks may ultimately flame out in the playoffs but these guys helped get them there and could provide similar veteran impact for the Pelicans, who have better stars and really just need to find the right mix of role players around them.

New Orleans Pelicans: Knicks free agent Derrick Rose

Of these five players, Rose is the least likely to end up on the Pelicans for a few reasons. He seems to thrive playing with Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks would probably like to keep him, so there is mutual interest.

At this point in his career, Rose is not a superstar any longer but he would provide something the Pelicans need which is bench scoring and veteran leadership.

Rose could see the Pelicans as a better chance to win a title than the Knicks and decide to jump ship, but I can see him finishing his career in New York.