2012 NBA Free Agency: Potential Cheap targets for New York Knicks

I’ve touched on the potential dilemma the New York Knicks may be looking at this offseason as it pertains to the salary cap, but now it’s time to take a look at potential guys the Knicks could target cheaply this offseason.

This is also assuming (knock on wood) that the arbitration ruling in June goes in their favor and New York won’t be forced to use their MLE to keep Jeremy Lin in the Big Apple.

If that’s the case, everyone expects a portion of that MLE to be thrown the way of Steve Nash, but if that doesn’t work out, here’s a look at a few other potential targets general manager Glen Grunwald could look at rather cheaply.

Marcus Camby

April 22, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Houston Rockets center Marcus Camby (29) against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Camby would like to return to Houston as his first choice, but if that doesn’t work out the Knicks should take a look at bringing Camby back to New York.

He’s 38 and entering his 17^th NBA season, but can still be an effective rebounder and shot blocker, even at his age.

We saw how much of a struggle it was with Tyson Chandler not on the floor a season ago and a guy like Camby can help sure up the second unit defensively.

Antawn Jamison

Jamison is coming off a good year in which he averaged 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds and has always been an efficient scorer and rebounder.

But In his 14-year career, Jamison has made the playoffs six times, but has never made it past the second round so signing with a contender could be priority No. 1.

Not only that, but Jamison would provide insurance for Amar’e Stoudemire and would be an upgrade at the defensive end of the floor.

Ray Allen

The Knicks missed a lot of open shots in the playoffs and bringing in the all-time leader in three-point shooting makes some sense.

Allen’s career is trending downward, but in a role when his job is to come off the bench and knock down shots from the perimeter, he could be very effective still.

I doubt Allen would settle for the veteran’s minimum, but it’s certainly worth a look.

John Lucas III

The Knicks are going to likely sign a pair of free-agent point guards and Lucas is a guy who could add quality depth.

Lucas proved valuable for the Bulls in the frequent absences of Derrick Rose and while his overall numbers aren’t impressive, in games where Lucas played at least 20 minutes, his scoring average jumped up to 14.6 points per game.

Omer Asik

Again, bringing in a quality backup for Tyson Chandler needs to be a priority this offseason.

He won’t provide much offensively, but Asik is a mobile big man with great defensive awareness and shot-blocking skill.

Matt Barnes

Barnes will likely want to stay in Los Angeles, but he’s also a guy who won’t cost a lot of money and brings energy and a little bit of production off the bench.

He’s tough, rebounds well and runs the floor very well. That’s all he would be asked to do in a Knicks uniform.