PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 09: Rodney Hood #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
4 players with options or non-guaranteed contracts that have ties to Leon Rose’s former CAA position who could find themselves on the New York Knicks.
The New York Knicks have up to $50 million in cap space this offseason, a number that could change but will remain one of the largest in the league after coronavirus-impacted league revenues force an adjustment to the 2020-21 salary cap threshold.
Team president Leon Rose worked to construct a front office with a diverse set of skills. Scott Perry & Allan Houston remain the primary holdovers from the previous regime. With a new team of personnel including Brock Aller, Walt Perrin, William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley,” & Frank Zanin, Rose has all the tools in the toolbox necessary to build the Knicks roster in free agency.
Part 1 of the CAA Files explored 7 unrestricted free agents with ties to Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Part 2 of the CAA Files, likewise, explored 7 restricted free agents. Another area where the team can exploit its diverse front office is in the realm of player options and non-guaranteed contracts.
With the crunch in the salary cap, there is a significant possibility most players will exercise their player options for the 2020-21 season.
However, the Knicks can utilize their front office experience to convince the agents of certain players, especially those with CAA ties, to decline their player options to receive either a balloon or incentive-laden contract for one season. We often see players sign 2-year “prove it” deals (with the 2nd year as a player option).
The second option is to capitalize on players that have non-guaranteed deals heading into the 2020-21 season. Teams near the edge of the luxury tax threshold will prefer to shed salaries to save luxury tax dollars. This would also allow the Knicks to utilize their cap room to sign a player to a balloon contract.
Thus, Part 3 of the CAA Files delves into 4 CAA-affiliated players with player options or non-guaranteed deals heading into the 2020-21 seasons.
New York Knicks</a> have up to $50 million in cap space this offseason, a number that could change but will remain one of the largest in the league after coronavirus-impacted league revenues force an adjustment to the 2020-21 salary cap threshold.</p>
<p>Team president Leon Rose worked to construct a front office with a diverse set of skills. Scott Perry & Allan Houston remain the primary holdovers from the previous regime. With a new team of personnel including Brock Aller, Walt Perrin, William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley,” & Frank Zanin, Rose has all the tools in the toolbox necessary to build the Knicks roster in free agency.</p>
<p><a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/02/ny-knicks-caa-files-unrestricted-free-agents/">Part 1 of the CAA Files</a> explored 7 unrestricted free agents with ties to Creative Artists Agency (CAA). <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/05/ny-knicks-caa-files-restricted-free-agents/">Part 2 of the CAA Files</a>, likewise, explored 7 restricted free agents. Another area where the team can exploit its diverse front office is in the realm of player options and non-guaranteed contracts.</p>
<p>With the crunch in the salary cap, there is a significant possibility most players will exercise their player options for the 2020-21 season.</p>
<p>However, the Knicks can utilize their front office experience to convince the agents of certain players, especially those with CAA ties, to decline their player options to receive either a balloon or incentive-laden contract for one season. We often see players sign 2-year “prove it” deals (with the 2nd year as a player option).</p>
<p>The second option is to capitalize on players that have non-guaranteed deals heading into the 2020-21 season. Teams near the edge of the luxury tax threshold will prefer to shed salaries to save luxury tax dollars. This would also allow the Knicks to utilize their cap room to sign a player to a balloon contract.</p>
<p>Thus, Part 3 of the CAA Files delves into 4 CAA-affiliated players with player options or non-guaranteed deals heading into the 2020-21 seasons.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1) The Knick killer </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110436" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1183,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2020%2F07%2F1214330478.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1183" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2020/07/1214330478.jpeg 1600w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2020/07/1214330478-768x568.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Tony Snell #17 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2><em><strong>Potential Free agents with CAA connections: Tony Snell</strong></em></h2>
<p>Tony Snell is in year 3 of a 4-year, $46 million contract, with a player option worth $12.1 million. Due to COVID-19, Snell may easily pick up his option and could easily turn into an interesting trade chip for a team looking to shed salary cap room after 2021.</p>
<p>The Detroit Pistons aren’t in a rush for Snell’s contract to come off the books because the team isn’t near playoff contention, just yet, and they have enough cap space in free agency. However, Snell’s agent is Austin Brown and Leon Rose could flex his CAA relationships to convince Snell to decline his player option in return for a larger 1+1 contract with New York. This is not necessarily a likely option, but it’s worth the slight consideration.</p>
<p>Snell, in fact, started 57 of 59 games this season. His best NBA moment so far came this past season when he <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/pistons-tony-snell-perfect-shooting-in-win-over-knicks/">achieved this immaculate milestone</a>: a perfect shooting night against the New York Knicks. Snell became the 9th player in NBA History – and the first Detroit Piston – to have a perfect shooting night while making at least 6 three pointers (24 points on 9-9 from the field, 6-6 from three).</p>
<p>Snell averaged all of 8 points/game in 27.8 minutes/game and shot 40% from three (1.7 threes/game). His calling card has been hitting threes at nearly a 40% clip, along with playing solid defense. At 6’7 with a 7’0 wingspan, he’s more than able to hold his own on the defensive front.</p>
<p>Beyond the CAA connection, Snell also played under coaching candidates Tom Thibodeau and Jason Kidd, while playing with both the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks, respectively. As a player familiar with playing with both coaches, Snell could provide the necessary floor spacing that both former Pistons Wayne Ellington & Reggie Bullock couldn’t in New York. The key is convincing Snell to decline the player option.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2) The coach's son </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110437" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2020%2F07%2F1204881464.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2020/07/1204881464.jpeg 3200w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2020/07/1204881464-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 02: Austin Rivers #25 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2><em><strong>Potential Free agents with CAA connections: Austin Rivers</strong></em></h2>
<p>Austin Rivers receives the brunt of many jokes in the NBA. He was often clowned for being the son of Doc Rivers after receiving massive contracts while playing under his father. There were some on-the-record discussions <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-clippers-players-really-dont-seem-like-austin-rivers-much-214120363.html">from former teammates</a> who didn’t like him while he was on the Los Angeles Clippers. To make things even worse, Rivers was a lottery pick that simply didn’t pan out as an above-average player or star in the league.</p>
<p>Rivers, on the other hand, seems at peace with his current role. He’s accepted the role of a reserve player. He’s the epitome of an average backup combo guard. Rivers can create for himself a little bit off the dribble. He’s also an adequate three-point shooter, and not the worst defender. Playing in the Western Conference has given Rivers enough experience to guard the quickest and most lethal guards in the league.</p>
<p>Rivers has a player option for the 2020-21 season. The option is worth $2.3 million, an option I’d think Rivers would naturally decline for a larger contract. The Houston Rockets are well above the salary cap max and nearing the luxury tax threshold, so there’s nearly no wiggle room to add salaries. The Rockets might not be able to afford him, but the team also needs his presence as a backup guard.</p>
<p>If Rivers decides to leave Houston, he’ll most likely covet a team with championship aspirations. However, it’s worth asking Rivers whether he’d be willing to accept a contract to be a veteran player. Sure, there are plenty of guards on the Knicks roster, but Rivers does have winning pedigree during his tenure with both the Clippers & Rockets. He could be a valuable add to New York’s locker room in helping the young players learn what it takes to become a winner.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3) Once a Knick </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110438" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1313,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2020%2F07%2F51902091.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1313" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2020/07/51902091.jpeg 1600w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2020/07/51902091-768x630.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Trevor Ariza #21 of the New York Knicks drives past Fred Hoiberg #32 (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2><em><strong>Potential Free agents with CAA connections: Trevor Ariza</strong></em></h2>
<p>Of all the incomprehensible Knick trades in the last 15 years, the one trade that continues to stick out is sending a 20-year-old Trevor Ariza to the Orlando Magic for Steve Francis. It was blasphemy that Larry Brown convinced Isiah Thomas to acquire Francis—a move that ultimately spelled the doom for Brown’s tenure as coach.</p>
<p>Now 35, Ariza’s evolved his game over the 16 years he’s been in the NBA. As a Knick, Ariza wowed the Madison Square Garden faithful with his quickness and athleticism, alongside his defensive potential. After his Knick tenure, Ariza developed a reliable three-point shot and ballhandling skills to complement his overall offensive repertoire.</p>
<p>Ariza has a $12.8 million contract that’s only guaranteed for $1.8 million in the 2020-21 season. He recently <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29349415/sources-blazers-trevor-ariza-opting-participation-nba-orlando-restart#:~:text=Sources%3A%20Blazers'%20Trevor%20Ariza%20opting,commits%20to%20visitation%20with%20son&text=Portland%20Trail%20Blazers%20forward%20Trevor,young%20son%2C%20sources%20told%20ESPN.">opted out</a> of the resumption of the NBA season. However, the Portland Trailblazers have very minimal cap space heading into free agency due to the extensions signed by both Damian Lillard & CJ McCollum. The Blazers may consider re-signing Hassan Whiteside, further complicating Ariza’s future with the team.</p>
<p>With a need to free up cap space, the Blazers would have no choice but to cut Ariza. While <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/02/ny-knicks-caa-files-unrestricted-free-agents/7/">another Blazer</a> is the most likely to sign, it would be fun for the Knicks to finally bring back Ariza and give him proper justice. His tenure in New York was cut way too short. Ariza’s 3-and-D game can fit very well on the team and he can also be a great mentor for guys like Kevin Knox, who need that extra push on defense.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4) Walt Perrin's Pick </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-109315" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2152,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2020%2F05%2F905418582.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2152" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2020/05/905418582.jpeg 3200w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2020/05/905418582-768x516.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JANUARY 15: Rodney Hood #5 of the Utah Jazz (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)</p>
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<h2><em><strong>Potential Free agents with CAA connections: Rodney Hood</strong></em></h2>
<p>Rodney Hood’s in the middle of rehabbing a torn left Achilles tendon. He joins the long list of players – including Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, and former Knick Wesley Matthews – that either underwent or are undergoing the rehab of the same injury. Hood’s been spotted back on the court practicing in the Portland Trailblazers practice facility, but clearly has a long way to go before returning to the basketball court.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>Hood has a player option worth $6 million for the 2020-21 season. As recently as April, Hood stated that <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2020/04/rodney-hood-continues-to-make-steady-progress-in-recovery-from-injury-fully-expects-to-be-with-portland-trail-blazers-next-season.html">he expects to be back</a> with the Trailblazers next season. However, free agency doesn’t commence until October 2020. That gives Hood the option to be very close to full recovery by then.</p>
<p>The Knicks, knowing this, could easily convince Hood to decline his player option while gambling on his return to full health with a balloon 1+1 contract. His defense plus three-point proficiency are traits very valuable to the Knicks. Before the injury, Hood shot 51% from the field and nearly 50% from three.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Knicks CAA Files: Unrestricted Free Agents" data-url="https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/02/ny-knicks-caa-files-unrestricted-free-agents/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/02/ny-knicks-caa-files-unrestricted-free-agents/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Knicks CAA Files: Unrestricted Free Agents </a> </div>
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<p>The Knicks also have the advantage of Walt Perrin. Perrin <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2020/07/07/ny-knicks-caa-files-potential-free-agents/"https://dailyknicks.com/2020/05/20/ny-knicks-walt-perrin-utah-jazz-top-draft-picks/6/">scouted Hood</a> while with the Utah Jazz and encouraged the front office to draft him in 2014, despite falling in the draft and refusing to workout with the team.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">