In a stacked 2019 NBA free agency class, it seems as if players will be signing with either the Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, or Nets. For New York especially, the Knicks and Nets have been two of the most talked about teams in terms of signing superstars. But, with both teams being in New York, the largest market in America, it draws the question as to which team is the better destination? Both the Nets and Knicks have their benefits that may draw free agents away. For the career of an NBA superstar, which team, in its current state, would provide the most?
Knicks Nets Free Agency: Who Can Give The Most Money?
When a free agent is looking to decide what team to join, the contract is huge. This year, both the Knicks and Nets have the money to give big free agents. Brooklyn is projected to have approximately $33.5 million in cap space. That number can grow to $54.6 million with the free agency of D’Angelo Russell. They also traded Allen Crabbe to the Hawks, giving them an additional max contract slot. That gives free agents something to look forward to. Along with that, these free agents can bet on playing alongside another star player.
The Knicks, on the other hand, are looking at about a whopping $74.9 million in cap space. This creates a world of possibilities for free agents. If you’re Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant, you recognize that the Knicks have two max contracts at their disposal. If you can pair up with another superstar AND sign a max contract, why wouldn’t you? The narrative of the NBA for past seasons has been the idea of super-teams. The Knicks give free agents the platform to jump on the wave that’s worked perfectly for past NBA Champions.
Who Will Bring More Victories?
For now, the Nets are the superior team in regards to winning. Brooklyn is coming off a 42-40 season, good for sixth in the East. The Nets are simply in a winning state of mind. After having a 14-win improvement this season, they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
HC Kenny Atkinson is growing to be one of the NBA’s premier coaches. And, beyond that, the roster is full of talented players. Without the re-signing of D’Angelo Russell, the Nets will still be retaining Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, and Caris LeVert among other solid pieces for a winning basketball team. Adding a star to this set of guys will only enhance how much of a threat the Nets are in the East. If D’Angelo Russell re-signs, that might just solidify Brooklyn’s roster on paper.
The Knicks, on the other hand, are in the entirely opposite predicament. New York finished with the worst record in the entire league, 17-65. With a roster filled with young talent, they’re still missing the one piece that brings them all together. The best player on the Knicks last season was either Kevin Knox or Emmanuel Mudiay. Both are good players, but they aren’t the ones you want as your first or second choice.
Both the Nets and Knicks haven’t made any team-altering trades or transactions, so as of now, the Knicks are at a major disadvantage. However, on a team full of young talent, comes the opportunity to make the team yours. And although the Knicks look like they are not the NBA’s premier free agent destination, they do allow any top free agent to be “the man”. If the Knicks aren’t in shape to snag a lot of wins, maybe Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are the players they need to get them back to the playoffs.
Knicks Nets Free Agency: How’s the Future Looking?
As discussed previously, the Nets are more built to win now. Any free agent that joins the Nets will be joining a team that can make a deep run in the East playoffs. But, if we’re talking about the long-term, what exactly does Brooklyn provide?
They currently hold the #17 pick in the NBA Draft. A first-round pick is always beneficial, but there won’t be any franchise cornerstones available by that selection.
Of the previously discussed players that may return to the Nets, D’Angelo Russell is the only one projected to be any type of star. With an average roster age of 25.4, the Nets’ roster is still young. Although all teams need young assets, they’re no use if they aren’t able to bloom and develop from a bench piece to a role player and then to an All-Star.
If free agents are looking for a team with a bright future and the contract they want, the Knicks are the perfect team. Among the multitude of young assets that the Knicks have are Kevin Knox (19), Frank Ntilikina (20), Mitchell Robinson (21), Dennis Smith Jr (21), Allonzo Trier (23), and Mario Hezonja (24).
The Knicks, although they missed out on Zion Williamson, also have the third overall pick in this year’s draft. This pick is almost certain to be Duke F R.J Barrett. All of that young talent has to be appealing to a free agent. And, considering all of the pieces the Knicks have, what’s more attractive are the moves New York can make.
Knicks Nets Free Agency: Is Less Pressure Better?
There’s always going to be pressure to play in New York no matter what team it is. But, in terms of the history of these franchises, the Nets certainly provide less pressure. If we go back in Nets history, the best players include Jason Kidd and Julius Erving. Both are great players that are tough to live up to, but neither were able to bring an NBA Championship. Playing in Brooklyn simply gives you the title of New York’s second basketball team, historically. For a team that won only 41 games last season, there aren’t a lot of expectations for the Nets at this point. With these free agent signings, depending on the player(s), the narrative is created from there. But, that isn’t the case for the Knicks.
The Knicks provide a whirlwind of pressure towards any player looking to sign with them. Playing for the Knicks means you’re playing in the most famous arena in the world under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. Putting on a Knicks jersey means playing behind 73 years worth of history. Any star free agent will have to live up to the legacy left by players such as Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Earl Monroe, and Bernard King.
There’s history behind the team and the name ‘Knickerbocker”. Maybe, to free agents, that’s too much to handle. Earlier in the season, Kevin Durant explained how playing LeBron means dealing with a lot of media attention. Durant also sounded as if that’s something he wouldn’t enjoy. Being in New York City, playing for their most famous franchise, is something that brings more attention than Durant already has.
Knicks or Nets?
The Knicks and Nets both have their benefits and drawbacks as franchises. Any player that’s looking to join these teams will be joining something special. Both are at the center of the NBA offseason, but it looks like only one will be getting the free agents they want. With both Brooklyn and New York having two max slots open, the race is on to sign the NBA’s best. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and even Anthony Davis (via. trade) are all players that these teams are trying to snag. Although only time will tell, it’s surely looking like the Nets have the upper hand for now.
All of the top free agents are players who want to win now. There’s no doubt that these players would sign with a team if they didn’t know that they were going to win many games. That’s what Brooklyn provides. Young assets and pressure aside, winning and money is what’ll matter. And that’s what the Nets have over the Knicks.