Free Agency Proving New York Knicks Are No Longer A Destination Franchise

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Carmelo Anthony Travis Ware Knicks
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency in the NBA started with a bang as Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans agreed to an extension of five years and $145 million beginning next season. The New York Knicks have been in the mix for many of the desirable free agent targets. However, as the first day of free agency rolls on, Phil Jackson and the Knicks have missed the boat on some their targets. The appeal of the brights lights of New York simply isn’t there anymore.

The Knicks were planning to be in the mix for the sharpshooting Danny Green, and he even mentioned how it would be in his best interest to listen to the Knicks’ pitch. However, before even meeting with the Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs were able to bring Green back while also clearing room to bring in more help by trading Tiago Splitter.

The Spurs are believed to be the front-runner in the pursuit of LaMarcus Aldridge, another target of the Knicks. Why would a player choose to play in New York in the midst of their rebuild when they could play for a team that’s ready to contend for titles now?

The Knicks have been believed to be in the mix for Demarre Carroll for quite a while now, but Carroll agreed to a deal with the Toronto Raptors. Greg Monroe, who seemed to be a surefire addition to the Knicks, is even being included in discussions with the Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks may even miss out on him.

Free agency isn’t over yet. There is no logical reason to rush the assembly of the 2015-16 Knicks roster. However, it would be foolish to not be discouraged about the state of the Knicks. They don’t have players knocking down their door trying to force their way to New York. There is a belief that this is largely due to Carmelo Anthony and the lack of appeal to play with him.

The hope for Monroe is fading, but not lost. There is still a chance that the Knicks can acquire Arron AfflaloDeAndre Jordan is still scheduled to meet with them, although the Dallas Mavericks are believed to be the front-runners.

It’s going to take a player like Amar’e Stoudemire to come to New York and embrace the burden of reviving the franchise and pleasing the impatient fans. In 2010, Stoudemire came to New York hungry to prove that he was capable of leading a team and that his knee injuries were behind him. We all know how that played out, but prior to the trade that brought Anthony to New York, Stoudemire was playing at an MVP level, and the Knicks were clicking under Mike D’Antoni.

At that time, the Knicks were at least relevant. Currently, they’re nothing but a punching bag. The Knicks can still make moves to position themselves for a playoff appearance in the upcoming season, but as of right now, there are no signs pointing in that direction.

It’s understood for Knicks fans and NBA fans alike to wonder if the Knicks will ever return to relevancy. It doesn’t appear to be happening in the upcoming season, so when? 2016-17? What will happen between now and then that will make the Knicks appealing? There’s no light at the end of the tunnel yet.

Patrick Piascik is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter at @patrickpiascik.

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