Free Agency

MARC GASOL (C, Memphis)

Gasol, a 7-foot-1 Spaniard and the 2013 defensive player of the year, has taken an offensive leap, averaging 19.5 points, 8 rebounds and just under 4 assists per game for the red-hot Grizzlies. It’s no secret that the Knicks — who rank 29th of 30 teams in total rebounding — are in desperate need of a center.

Gasol is as good as any big man around, and he is the type of center who would thrive in the triangle offense. He has tremendous vision and can knock down elbow jumpers and score in the low post. Pairing Anthony with Gasol would make Knicks fans salivate, but Gasol is likely to sign with a team with a good shot at winning. If this season’s record so far is an indicator, New York seems a doubtful destination.

GREG MONROE (PF, Detroit)

If the Knicks strike out on Gasol, they might consider making a run at Monroe, 24. He has averaged close to a double-double (14 and 9) through his first four seasons, and is expected to leave Detroit at the end of this season.

RAJON RONDO (PG, Boston)

With his contract up after the season and the Celtics benching him down the stretch of a close game Monday against the Wizards, Rondo might finally ship out of Boston. His points per game might have dropped to 8 this season from 11, but he is still managing a league-high 10.8 assists a game. He is a mediocre shooter, but with Anthony, Tim Hardaway Jr. and J. R. Smith signed to long-term deals, the Knicks would be smart to add a pass-first guard with playoff experience.

Image Amar’e Stoudemire’s expiring contract will be part of the $35 million the Knicks will have to spend on free agents in the off-season. Credit... Eric Gay/Associated Press

The Draft

JAHLIL OKAFOR (C, Duke)

Depending on their fortunes, the Knicks could have a good shot at the No. 1 pick in the draft. While that would certainly be a good thing, it is worth noting that the Knicks have not been the best at identifying superstars.

If the Knicks finish poorly enough to gain a lottery slot, Phil Jackson, the team president, might consider trading the pick before or after the draft for an established free agent like Gasol, the way the Cavaliers dealt Andrew Wiggins to the Timberwolves to land Kevin Love last summer. This ensures a quicker rebuild because even the best rookies take time to develop.