NBA free agency: Whom the Knicks might target if they lose key pieces, plus the top 10 players to watch

If the Knicks can’t keep their own free agents — Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson, as well as many of the players near the end of the bench — they will have work to do to fill out the roster and key rotation spots. Finding a replacement, particularly for Robinson, at a lower cost would be a challenge. Here are a few players worth keeping an eye on when the free-agent market opens Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Nick Richards, Chicago (unrestricted)

The Knicks have eyed the six-year veteran, who played regularly after joining the Bulls in a trade deadline deal. In 2023-24 with Charlotte, he ranked 13th in the NBA in offensive rebound percentage and 20th in blocked shot percentage — traits necessary for someone who would replace Robinson.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver (unrestricted)

Hard to imagine his return to New York for a third stint, but his three-point shooting could provide help if Shamet is lost.

Precious Achiuwa, Sacramento (unrestricted)

He was a part of the Knicks squad that went to the conference finals in 2024-25. Could play spot minutes as a backup power forward/center.

Kevon Looney, New Orleans (team option)

The Pelicans reportedly are going to decline his team option, making him a free agent. After being a part of championship runs with Golden State (where he worked with coach Mike Brown), he could fill the backup center role nicely.

10 Free Agents to Watch

Jalen Duren, Detroit (restricted)

Duren seemed bound for a max contract, particularly with his play in the regular season when Cade Cunningham was sidelined. But he was a shadow of that in the postseason and now has a summer of either negotiating a less-than-max deal, searching for an offer elsewhere or finding a sign-and-trade partner.

James Harden, Cleveland (player option)

He’s 36 years old, but you can look at the leading scorers this season among the free-agent class, and there he is. If you’re judging it off scoring and playmaking, he’s still worth a payday. If you look at the way he performed in the playoff series against the Knicks, he might be watching games on television.

LeBron James, L.A. Lakers (player option)

In his uncertain present, there is one certainty: There is no player I feel more confident will not retire without the farewell tour season. Does he stay in Los Angeles, where he’s at home? Or does he return to his hometown and help the Cavs on a low-cost deal? Or how about taking his talents to South Beach? (Although vacations are never as good as that first magical honeymoon trip.)

Tobias Harris, Detroit (unrestricted)

Harris (Half Hollow Hills West) was one of the few Pistons who performed at or above expectations in the playoffs. With size and shooting ability, he’s shown little sign of slowing after 15 seasons. He will turn 34 in July.

Norman Powell, Miami (unrestricted)

A problem for the Heat in the wake of the massive Giannis Antetokounmpo deal: They could use Powell’s offensive ability on the perimeter, but they also have to pay him, or a potential replacement. At 32 years old, he made his first All-Star Game appearance this season, averaging 21.7 points per game.

Kristaps Porzingis, Golden State (unrestricted)

It’s hard to imagine he is looking for work, but injuries and illness have reduced his production. Still just 30 years old, he played only 32 games this past season between Atlanta and Golden State, averaging 16.7 points and 5.2 rebounds. Both stats are down from his usual output, but he could be useful to a team looking for a unicorn.

Walker Kessler, Utah (restricted)

Regularly involved in trade talk, he played only five games before surgery to repair a torn labrum. So while there are expected to be suitors, he is much more of a question mark. Add in Utah’s ability to match an offer and it’s a weak market.

Mitchell Robinson, Knicks (unrestricted)

Not just a nail-biting decision for the Knicks, but for any team looking at what it will cost to sign him. Even if it’s the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, that’s a high price for a player with his injury history and offensive limitations. But he’s a game-changer on the glass and a legitimate rim protector.

Rui Hachimura, L.A. Lakers (unrestricted)

He jumped his scoring average from 11.5 points per game in the regular season to 17.5 in the playoffs with Luka Doncic missing. Could his well-rounded game tempt someone to pay him after he came off the bench much of the regular season but started all 10 playoff games and played 38 minutes per game?

Anfernee Simons, Chicago (unrestricted)

Simons moved quickly from the next Damian Lillard in Portland to a trade to Boston; midway through the season, he was shipped to Chicago and played only six games. A legitimate scorer.

By Steve Popper

steve.popper@newsday.com@StevePopper

Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.