Greg Wahl-Stephens

The New York Knicks made their first big splash in free agency as they came to terms on a deal with veteran shooting guard Arron Afflalo. The team announced the deal on July 9.

According to ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne, New York inked the eight-year pro to a two-year contract worth $16 million with a player option for the second year.

The 29-year-old guard split the 2014-15 season with the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers. His production was down after averaging over 18 points per game in 2013-14 with the Orlando Magic, although he still put up 13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest.

Afflalo has been regarded as one of the league's best perimeter defenders since entering the league out of UCLA in 2007, which makes him a good fit for the Knicks since they dealt Iman Shumpert to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.

Considering what Afflalo brings to the table and the terms of the deal, former Brooklyn Nets assistant general manager Bobby Marks is a big fan of the signing from New York's perspective:

ESPN.com's Tom Haberstroh likes the value as well, but he is confused by Knicks president Phil Jackson's vision for the franchise:

This move, even when paired with center Robin Lopez, certainly won't be enough to put the Knicks in title contention, and it may not even guarantee a playoff spot despite the shakiness of the Eastern Conference, but another last-place finish in the East likely wouldn't be in the cards.

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