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5 Under-The-Radar Free Agents New York Knicks Should Pursue in 2015

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By @JosephMCrevier

5 Under-The-Radar Free Agents New York Knicks Should Pursue in 2015

Orlando Magic
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Phil Jackson has structured the New York Knicks for major salary cap relief in the 2015 offseason and would ideally like to strike it big with a marquee free agent. Aside from the elite players, the Knicks must look to assemble a solid supporting cast around Carmelo Anthony. Here are five under-the-radar players they should pursue.

5. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

Philadelphia 76ers
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5. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

Philadelphia 76ers
Mitchell Leff-Getty Images

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has bounced around the league a bit recently, suiting up for four different teams in a two-year span primarily due to his inability to produce offensively. He may be a huge liability on offense, but Mbah a Moute has excelled on the defensive end, quietly emerging as one of the league's premier defenders. Considering the Knicks are basement-dwellers in defensive efficiency, the Cameroonian would be a fine addition.

4. Kendall Marshall

Milwaukee Bucks
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4. Kendall Marshall

Milwaukee Bucks
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Presumed to make a compelling run at star point guard Rajon Rondo, New York will also seek to broaden the bench with a competent backup. Shane Larkin's team option has been declined, leaving Jose Calderon (who would likely be traded) and Pablo Prigioni on an unguaranteed deal. Kendall Marshall has proven to be a capable creator (9.0 APG in 2013-14), and his much-improved 3-point shot (40 percent in 2013-14) makes him the ideal reserve.

3. Wesley Matthews

Portland Trail Blazers
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3. Wesley Matthews

Portland Trail Blazers
Rocky Widner-Getty Images

Assuming Iman Shumpert's inevitable departure next summer, there could not be a more quintessential option to fill his place than Wesley Matthews. An electrifying defender and capable third option offensively, Matthews will likely command a steep price but with great benefit. The Knicks' defense has suffered with no bona fide stopper. Shumpert is clearly the team's best wing defender, but he is a liability on offense (39 FG% career).

2. Ed Davis

Los Angeles Lakers
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2. Ed Davis

Los Angeles Lakers
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Similar to the pursuit of Rondo, New York is also expected to heavily pursue a star big man like Marc Gasol or DeAndre Jordan. Even if the Knicks are successful in landing one of those guys, Phil Jackson must elevate the bench to some degree. Ed Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers may be limited offensively, but he is a tremendous defensive talent to chase after.

1. Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris
Gary Dineen-Getty Images

1. Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris
Gary Dineen-Getty Images

Since he was traded to the Orlando Magic in 2013, Tobias Harris has really blossomed into one of the league's more intriguing young prospects. Though his production may have been skewed by being the No. 1 option on a bad team, Harris has averaged a compelling 16 PPG and 7.5 RPG per game in Orlando. When he failed to reach an extension prior to the deadline, the Knicks immediately emerged as a favored destination due to endorsement benefits.

Joseph Crevier covers the New York Knicks for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, @JosephMCrevier, and Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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