2024 Knicks Free Agent Targets: Top Shooting Guards Available

The New York Knicks seem ready to make splash this offseason. It has been discussed at length throughout the Knicks rebuild, but it could be the time the team finally puts all its chips on the table. The team now has a path forward to a championship. With a treasure chest of picks and a clear identity, coupled with an established winning culture, the Knicks have become one of the most desirable free agent destinations in the NBA. With that said, we are looking ahead and reviewing the top shooting guard 2024 Knicks free agent targets.

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Top Players / Point Guards / Small Forwards / Power Forwards

Top free agent shooting guards available for the Knicks

The list of potential NBA free agents in 2024 is a long one. As is always the case. This is why we are reviewing by position and looking at shooting guards.

In NBA free agency, the reality is many of these players will resign or extend with their current team as restricted or unrestricted free agents. We are aiming to identify free agents that are likely looking for a new home, fill a roster need and will fit the New York Knicks culture.

We will call out some of the most notable free agents, before we dig into the 2024 Knicks free agent targets.

Top NBA free agent shooting guards in 2024

The list of NBA free agents is fluid and constantly changing. Players sign extensions with their teams during the season, are traded or make it known they are staying with their current team. It is this dynamic nature of free agency that makes it difficult to identify true Knicks free agent targets.

At the current time, here are some of the top NBA shooting guard free agents this offseason.

1. Tyrese Maxey
2. Immanuel Quickley
3. James Harden
4. Malik Monk
5. DeMar DeRozan
6. Klay Thompson
7. Buddy Hield
8. Bruce Brown
9. De’Anthony Melton

You can review the complete list of 2024 free agents here.

All of these players will become unrestricted free agents in 2024. All of which have bird rights associated with their current team. Simply put, it means they can sign for more money if they stay with the same team.

What makes sense for the Knicks?

For the Knicks, it is important to consider roster needs, the path to a championship, overall fit and the expected value from any player they sign.

We expect the Knicks to continue being active in the trade market all the way to the trade deadline. The team needs a second unit scoring option, with many shooting guards already being rumored to have mutual interest in joining the Knicks, including DeMar Derozan and Bruce Brown.

The Knicks have done a tremendous job in recent times building a strong culture. A culture that was once mocked, has become a home for young prospects to develop and shine. We want the team to bring in talent, but not at the expense of what this organization has been building.

In addition to the team considerations of culture, timeline and needs, we considered the external factors that may play a part in the decision making process. Including a players relationship with their organization and other players in the league.

With these considerations in mind, who are realistic 2024 Knicks free agent targets? This is our top 3 Knicks free agent targets for 2024 at shooting guard.

Best Knicks free agent targets at shooting guard

There are many high level shooting guards destined to be available and many that could be a major piece in building a championship team.

These are the 2024 Knicks free agent targets at the shooting guard position that are real possibilities for the New York roster.

1. Malik Monk

Free Agent Overview:

2023/24 stats: 15.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 5.5 apg, 43.4 FG%, 39.2 3P%
2023/24 earnings: $9,945,830
Career earnings: $26,987,522

Malik Monk is the perfect fit for this New York Knicks team. Not many players in the league can heat up like Monk. In the past, he is known to be a streaky scorer, but he has been far more consistent in recent times.

His 3pt shooting and difficult shot making would change the dynamic of the Knicks bench unit. The Knicks at times are starved for offense, this forces Jalen Brunson to play 40 plus minutes nearly every night to be competitive. With Monk, the offense would be far more fluent, as he also averages 5.5 assists to go along with 15.1 points per game.

If the opportunity to sign Monk comes, the Knicks should not hesitate to sign him and fortify the offense.

2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Free Agent Overview:

2023/24 stats: 10.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 45.7 FG%, 39.9 3P%
2023/24 earnings: $14,704,938
Career earnings: $88,997,400

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a more traditional “Thibs guy.” He is a three point shooting specialist and was a major piece in the Denver Nuggets championship run of 2023.

Adding championship experience to this roster should not be undervalued, with his excellent defensive abilities and knockdown shooting he could solidify the starting unit while allowing Donte DiVincenzo to come off the bench.

3. De’Anthony Melton

Free Agent Overview:

2023/24 stats: 11.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.2 apg, 39.3 FG%, 36.3 3P%
2023/24 earnings: $8,000,000
Career earnings: $28,993,540
Extension eligibility: Through June 30, 2024

De’Anthony Melton is another excellent defender at the shooting guard position. At 6’3″, he is able to guard 1 through 3 and could provide a solid playmaking option off the bench.

The Knicks must find a way to alleviate some of the scoring burden from Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, Melton can do just that, while also playing lockdown defense. He is a guy that will dive for loose balls and take a charge to help his win.

Melton may not have the shooting efficiency we want with this roster but his ability to control an offense and cutting ability make him a worthwhile pick up as a 2024 Knicks free agent target.