What if the Knicks had Never Traded for Carmelo Anthony?

What if the Knicks had Never Traded for Carmelo Anthony? by Chip Murphy

It may be August, but the New York Knicks aren’t slowing down in their efforts to acquire free agents. That became clear on Tuesday, August 4, when Phil Jackson agreed to terms with Kevin Seraphin on a one-year, $2.8 million contract.

What’s next on the schedule? Potentially adding more depth at point guard.

According to Sam Amico of Fox Sports, the Knicks are interested in free agent point guard Norris Cole.

Free agent G Norris Cole drawing interest from Sixers, Knicks. Cole a restricted free agent tho. Pelicans likely to re-sign/match offers. — Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) August 4, 2015

That last part is key: assuming the deal isn’t too robust, the New Orleans Pelicans will likely match any offer New York sends Cole’s way. Under the laws of restricted free agency, New Orleans would, in turn, retain Cole’s services.

Nevertheless, it’s news worth reporting.

Cole is generally viewed as a player with the ceiling of a team’s third guard, but his postseason experience is immense. He’s a two-time NBA champion with three NBA Finals appearances, averaging close to or upwards of 20 minutes per game in each of those three seasons with the Miami Heat.

A fiery competitor who’s generally heralded for his passion and energy, Cole could be a solid addition in New York.

Cole averaged 7.6 points and 3.4 assists in 24.4 minutes during the 2014-15 NBA regular season. It’s worth noting that he jumped to 9.9 points in 24.4 minutes on a slash line of .444/.378/.743 in 28 games with the Pelicans.

If that’s closer to the player that Cole is becoming, his place in the league will be safe and established.

For New York, the biggest question is whether or not they need another point guard. Jose Calderon, Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant are all expected to see significant playing time, and all three are point guards.

Until Cole is under contract elsewhere, however, he appears to be a target for Jackson of the Knicks.

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