NBA Rumors: New York Knicks Interested In Signing Kent Bazemore

The idea of Kevin Durant joining the New York Knicks seems very unlikely. The former Texas Longhorns star is looking to join a team that can help him win an NBA Championship now. The Knicks will need to turn their attention to other players in free agency. According to the New York Post, the Knicks have heavy interest in Kent Bazemore. The 6’5? shooting guard is one of the better 3-and-D players in the NBA.

The New York Knicks currently have Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony, and Kristaps Porzingis as their starters. That leaves holes at the shooting guard and center positions. They have Justin Holiday and Kyle O’Quinn under contract, but those two are not starting caliber players in the NBA.

New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson will have around $30 million to spend on free agents this summer. Kent Bazemore is high on the Knicks’ list for shooting guard. The 26-year-old guard would be an upgrade for the Knicks in the back court from last season.

Kent Bazemore is about to get paid, and he has a message for his fellow undrafted players https://t.co/m68vZvOSfh pic.twitter.com/ekWUE0FDnC

— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) June 25, 2016

Kent Bazemore is currently not setting up any meetings with teams until the Atlanta Hawks make their intentions clear on whether they want to re-sign him or let him walk. People believe that Bazemore could make around $16 million this summer.

The Atlanta Hawks have made it known that they would like to re-sign Kent Bazemore at the end of the season. The Hawks might be looking to sign other players now. According to ESPN, they are currently trying to get a meeting with Kevin Durant. The Hawks are trying to get a meeting with Dwight Howard also. Bazemore might not be a priority for Hawks management anymore.

Kent Bazemore had an incredible season this year. He came into the NBA as an undrafted player. Bazemore played with the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Atlanta Hawks. He was able to blossom with the Hawks. Bazemore averaged 11.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.

This season, Kent Bazemore filled in for DeMarre Carroll for the Atlanta Hawks. Carroll developed into one of the better 3-and-D players in the NBA. He spent two seasons with the Hawks. Last summer, Carroll signed a four-year deal worth $60 million with the Toronto Raptors. He helped the Raptors get to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Kent Bazemore will have plenty of teams that are interested in him. He hasn’t ruled out joining the New York Knicks this summer. Bazemore will fill a big need for the Knicks. They need a defensive stopper in the back court to team up with Derrick Rose, whose defense is questionable.

Another team that could show interest in Kent Bazemore is the New Orleans Pelicans. They are looking to add some defensive help on the wing. The Pelicans drafted Buddy Hield with the sixth overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Hield has the ability to be an excellent offensive threat for the team, but his defense is a little shaky.

There are other 3-and-D players available in free agency for the New York Knicks if they cannot land Kent Bazemore. One player they could go after and would be a cheaper option for them might be Courtney Lee. The veteran shooting guard has been very consistent on both ends of the court for the past several years.

Kent Bazemore will be one of the most sought out shooting guards in free agency this summer. He is in the category of a 3-and-D player in the NBA. That is something most teams look for in a player. The New York Knicks is one of the teams interested in signing Bazemore for a reasonable price.

[Photo by Kevin C Cox/Getty Images]