New York Knicks: A blueprint for the 2021 offseason

Exploring a possible blueprint for the New York Knicks heading into the offseason. 

Well, it finally happened. After eight long years, the New York Knicks finally returned to the playoffs, only to get outed in five games by the Atlanta Hawks. Sure the outcome wasn’t nearly what Knicks fans wanted to see, nor expected, but this season still needs to be chalked up as a big win.

A team that was projected to have somewhere south of 25 wins, ended up 41-31 which was the fourth-best in the Eastern Conference.

But now since we can finally talk about Knicks’ success and relevancy again, there’s no doubt the team will need to approach this offseason extremely fierce to make a real winner in New York. A primary playmaking point guard, 3-point shooting, and big man depth are among the top needs for the Knicks this offseason, and with four draft picks and the supposed desire of players to come play in NY, these three needs should be fairly easily met.

But still, the right moves need to be made. Sure a Damian Lillard trade would be fantastic but it seems rather unlikely, as Lillard has never shown much interest in leaving despite him basically being a focal point on the trade market for years. Plus, a potential Lillard trade would cost, in my opinion, at least Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, and four first-round picks.

With all of that being said, here is my blueprint for the Knicks to approach this offseason, beginning with who to keep on the team now, which free agents to sign, and who they should look to select in the 2021 NBA Draft.