NBA Rumors: Knicks To Target Jackson, Butler and Matthews This Summer

NBA Rumors: The New York Knicks will reportedly target Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler, Wes Matthews and Greg Monroe this summer 

More from NBA Rumors

Well, it’s do-or-die, in a way, for the New York Knicks.

The franchise has been parading around this upcoming summer, proclaiming that this offseason would be the revival of the once proud organization. Well, it’s almost here.

And if you believe the reports that have been out there for quite awhile, it’s pretty obvious that the Knicks’ top target, as has been the case for a some time, is/was going to be Marc Gasol. Although, you know since New York has that whole entitled attitude, I honestly believe the Knicks think they’re going to land Jahlil Okafor now.

In fact, I believe they’re quite sure of it.

So much so, that the Knicks might be shifting their focus of the offseason — from center to wings. According to a report from Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops, the Knicks are planning on targeting Jimmy Butler, Reggie Jackson, Wes Matthews and Greg Monroe, among others, this summer.

If all else fails, and if the Knicks fail to land Okafor or one of the other impressive big men from the collegiate ranks in the NBA draft, expect Gasol to be on that list of free agents they’re interested in as well. Although, for the time being, it appears that their targets will be wing-heavy.

"[via Sheridan Hoops, H/T Hoops Rumors]The Knicks will target several free agents this summer including Greg Monroe, whom I previously mentioned at the end of December, Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler and Wesley Matthews (should Butler sign elsewhere) according to league sources."

The Knicks are expected to have north of $30 million in cap space in the summer, and could potentially land a handful of some really nice free agents. Maybe not the top-tier guys, like Kevin Love, LeBron James or Marc Gasol, but there will definitely be some talent for the taking.

New York is going to have money and Carmelo Anthony recruiting, it’s ultimately going to fall on Phil Jackson to close. Much like the role Pat Riley has taken with the Miami Heat.

Although, of their key free agent targets, or at least the ones that were provided on this list, Butler (restricted free agent) likely is matched on anything he gets offered by Chicago and Matthews is unrestricted but will likely want to re-sign in Portland.

Reggie Jackson might be moved before the NBA trade deadline and may in fact end up signing wherever he gets traded, and Greg Monroe well, at this point, I don’t think anyone knows what he’s going to do this summer.

However, the departure of Josh Smith might just be enough to keep him in a Detroit Pistons uniform.

The Knicks are going to have their work cut out for them. For the most part, teams aren’t created through free agency, unless you’re the Miami Heat.

Next: Is Amar'e Stoudemire preparing a return to the Desert?