New York basketball fans love college prospects, ping-pong ball possibilities and the fact the Knicks will have a top-five pick come June 25. But Knicks president Phil Jackson was as clear as the blue sky over Los Angeles on March 12 when he emphasized free-agent additions are the key to next season’s revival.

“In the present day in the NBA, 19-, 20-year-olds, coming into the league, it’s really hard to project what that player will be like in his first contract situation,’’ Jackson said. “We know what the first-round pick will mean to us, but we also know we will build the team on free agents. We have 190 players or so who will be free agents. That’s where our priority stands.’’

The Knicks will have $26 million of 2015 cap space after signing their top-five pick, and Jackson said the goal is to sign three prominent free agents — preferably two starters. The trick is spreading the wealth wisely, perhaps with enticements of one-year opt-outs. The Knicks don’t have a big man under contract for 2015-16, but could use help defensively at guard.

Figure center Marc Gasol (Memphis), Kevin Love (Cleveland) and Goran Dragic (Miami) re-sign, and restricted free agents Jimmy Butler (Chicago), Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio) and Reggie Jackson (Detroit) have offer sheets matched by their teams.

Paring our January list, here is a group of more realistic targets with various starting-salary estimates — the figure that counts more than the deal’s average wage.

C/PF LaMarcus Aldridge (Blazers): Rumblings are it’s no longer a guarantee he re-signs with the Blazers, especially if they’re one-and-done in the playoffs. He talked about fitting the triangle offense during All-Star weekend, but his max starting salary is a hefty $18.9 million. Can Jackson convince Aldridge to sign for one year at less than the max so he can reap the benefits of the 2016 cap explosion?

C Greg Monroe (Pistons): A nifty, left-handed low-post scoring fit to cement the triangle, but is no stout defender and may come overpriced if he needs the max for his years of service to sign — about $15 million. But he seems bent on exiting Detroit and said he is ready to meet with Jackson.

PF Paul Millsap (Hawks): Could be solid tag-team with Carmelo Anthony, adding more grit, scoring (16.7 ppg) and perhaps comes cheaper than Monroe at a starting wage of $13 million with opt-out after one season.

PG Rajon Rondo (Mavericks): Word is he would love to play with fellow Oak Hill Academy stud Carmelo Anthony, though not a traditional triangle fit. Hasn’t helped market value in Dallas and may not get raise over current $12.5 million wage.

SG Wesley Matthews (Blazers): Ruptured Achilles could help Knicks as market value softens, perhaps to less than starting salary of $10 million with no guarantee he is ready for camp. He is the rugged, 3-point-shooting, stout, big-guard defender Knicks crave.

C DeAndre Jordan (Clippers): Has talked of interest in New York, and is the menacing, athletic defensive, rim-protecting center Jackson said he wants. But why would Clippers let him flee?

C Robin Lopez (Blazers): Another active defensive center who comes more reasonably priced than Jordan — or even his brother, Brook. Not a bad value if starting salary is $8 million.

SF/PF Tobias Harris (Magic): Pride of Dix Hills wants to be here and is only 22. But would need to overpay a player who plays Anthony’s position. Orlando brass is threatening to match almost any offer.

SF/SG DeMarre Carroll (Hawks): Calls himself “The Junkyard Dog’’ because of his gritty, defensive mentality and has picked up his offensive firepower this season. Expressed interest in New York and playing for Derek Fisher and perhaps can start at $6 million.

SG/SF: Khris Middleton (Bucks): Could be value signing of free-agent class — a good defender who averaged 13.4 points and shot 40.7 percent from 3 with starting wage in $5 million range.

SG Danny Green (Spurs): Long Island kid who is getting All-Defensive Team votes and is a fine 3-point marksman. Perhaps takes a home discount.

PG/SG: Patrick Beverley (Rockets): Perimeter-defending point guard is good fit, depends how cheaply he comes.