Many New York Knicks fans viewed the hiring of Leon Rose as the team’s president of basketball operations as a big deal for a franchise that is badly craving for winning. And why not? Before he accepted the post as the Knicks’ front-office decision-maker, Rose was an influential players’ agent with a list of high profile clients that includes Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and many other NBA stars.
No doubt Rose is a big wig around the NBA community. He has the portfolio, experience, and connections to transform an ailing team into a winning one. This is the reason why Knicks fans are all hype up about the future of the team.
On the other hand, the jury is still out on Rose as the savior of the Knicks’ franchise. The hoopla surrounding the executive is understandable, but then again he hasn’t manufactured any groundbreaking move, yet.
The NBA is all about stars. With Rose leading the front office, Knicks are believed to be in a position to actually landing one, two, or maybe three of these game-changers depending on the salary cap adjustments and how cunning he would be in trade discussions.
To give NBA fanatics, especially the Knicks die-hards, a better picture on the players who could potentially be on Rose’s radar, here are five stars who could be his potential targets in the offseason.
Fred VanVleet
The wily guard played a big role in the Raptors’ surprising championship run last season. VanVleet, undrafted out of Wichita State, has a case for Most Improved of the Year honor this year as he averages 17.6 points on 40 percent FG shooting with 3.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. His stellar play puts him in play to reap a big contract in the offseason. Adding a dependable, championship-caliber player to the Knicks’ guard rotation is certainly high on Leon Rose’s priority list.
Bradley Beal
Well, here’s the thing, Bell just signed a two-year, $72 million year contract last season that locked him up for the next two seasons with a player option for the 2022-23 season. Nothing is set in stone though with regards to Beal’s long term future in D.C. Washington is few hiccups away from breaking its core and selling its players. Always watch out for Rose in any potential power play for the dynamic guard.
Devin Booker
The sweet-shooting guard made his way to his first All-Star selection this season, averaging 26.1 points on 48.7 FG shooting and 36 percent 3-point clip with 4.2 boards and 6.6 assists per game. Although he’s under contract until 2023-24 season, the slow-developing situation in Phoenix makes him always a potential target for star-hungry teams like the Knicks. By the way, Booker is Rose’s former client so it’s safe to say the Knicks have the inside track in any potential trade discussion.
Chris Paul
Another of Rose’s former high-profile clients, Chris Paul is enjoying a resurging year with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The returning All-Star guard is averaging 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game this year and is the heart and soul of the surprising Thunder team. Again, Paul has a long and deep relationship with Rose, which will be one of the top narratives in the Knicks’ pursuit for a star-caliber point guard.
Anthony Davis
The cream of the crop of the 2020 free agency class, Anthony Davis is having a blast as part of the Lakers’ two-headed monster alongside LeBron James. While the general belief around the association is Davis will re-sign with the Lakers in the offseason, never count out the Knicks to pull off a surprise now that Rose is at the helm. Remember, the Knicks were one of the three teams in the running for the All-NBA forward before Rob Pelinka pulled off that huge deal.
