Kofi Inkoom
The New York Knicks are preparing backup strategies for their center position this offseason. Due to having only Isaiah Hartenstein’s Early Bird rights, their ability to re-sign him is constrained.
If Hartenstein departs in free agency, one potential target for the Knicks is Goga Bitadze from the Orlando Magic. NBA insider Ian Begley of SnyTv reports that Bitadze, now an unrestricted free agent, could be a viable replacement.
Additionally, the Knicks have considered trading Mitchell Robinson, although no imminent deals are expected. Any decisions involving Robinson will likely be postponed until after the NBA Draft this week.
Bitadze had a solid 2023-2024 season with the Magic, averaging 7.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. His two-way performance in both offense and defense could benefit the Knicks next season as they aim to contend.
Away from Bitadze, Paul George of the Clippers is seen as a pivotal free agent by at least one NBA team, according to Marc Stein of the SteinLine. This view is probably shared by many, as George’s potential free agency could attract numerous teams.
Even if George chooses to opt into his contract and then seeks a trade, it would create opportunities for teams unable to sign him outright or through a sign-and-trade.
The New York Knicks might be one of those teams interested in trading for George if he opts into his $48.8 million contract for the next season, Stein notes. Due to their limited cap space and possible hard-cap complications from a sign-and-trade, pursuing George is only feasible if he opts in.
Should he choose this route, he would need to wait six months but could eventually negotiate an extension with a new team.