Despite signing point guard Damian Lillard to a maximum contract, the Portland Trail Blazers are struggling a bit in free agency. With several players testing the market, most notably power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland could have a completely different team next season. The New York Knicks will not lose any sleep over that, though, as they made a quality addition in free agency by inking guard Arron Afflalo to a two-year, $16 million deal.

Afflalo was traded to the Trail Blazers by the Denver Nuggets in February. He spent four seasons in Denver, including from 2009-10 to 2011-12. That means he played two seasons with Knicks franchise superstar Carmelo Anthony while the two were with the Nuggets, one of the leading reasons New York felt Afflalo would be a great addition to the team.

The more obvious reason New York felt Afflalo would be a solid signing is due to him being a two-way player, one the Knicks desperately need. Considering how much money was spent on players on the first day of free agency, particularly two-way players, the case could be made that Afflalo is an absolute steal for the Knicks. With that said, his two-year deal comes with a player option on the second year.

The 29-year-old is an outstanding shooter as evidence of his career 45.3 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3-point range. Not to mention, he proved to be an important acquisition for the Trail Blazers down the stretch last season. In 30.1 minutes per game, he averaged 10.6 points and converted an even 40.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Essentially, the Knicks will use Afflalo as a sharpshooter. He is going to make it rain from outside, while also playing tremendous defense. The signing is certainly far from the flashy ones the Knicks have been used to in recent years, but it is certainly a necessary one for a struggling franchise.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.