NBA free agency isn't over yet, but the vast majority of the big-name players are off the market. The New York Knicks have already made most of the moves they'll make in free agency, so it's time to grade the Knicks' free agency additions.
These grades focus only on the players added, although the overall grade will factor in the players lost if it's relevant. This only includes free agency signings, not trades or the draft. Although the Knicks made a major splash by trading for Derrick Rose, that's not included here. We'll group everything together in a future offseason grade piece. With all that out of the way, here are the Knicks' free agent grades.
Joakim Noah, 4 years, $72 million - C-
The Knicks badly needed center help after trading away Robin Lopez in the Derrick Rose trade. They found one in Noah, but they did overpay for him. The Knicks are paying Noah with the hope that he can actually stay healthy and regain his previous form. However, there's a chance that high-energy, rebounding, passing and defending machine that Noah once was will never return. The Knicks used a big chunk of their cap space to add Noah and it's a risky move. It looks better after seeing what other big men netted in free agency, but the Knicks still overpaid.
Courtney Lee, 4 years, $50 million - B
Getting Lee for $50 million in this market is solid value. Sure, he's never going to make an All-Star squad, but he fits exactly what the Knicks needed. They needed a shooting guard who could hit the 3-pointer and that's exactly what Lee provides. He can defend as well and has little injury concerns.
Brandon Jennings - 1 year, $5 million - A+
Getting Jennings at just $5 million was a complete steal. Sure, he's not the greatest defender but he's a borderline starting caliber point guard. He should be fully healthy this season and will be a great backup to Rose. If Rose gets hurt, Jennings is a quality replacement. If Rose stays healthy, Jennings will be a key contributor off the bench, something the Knicks needed to find this offseason.
Lance Thomas - 4 year, $27 million - A
This seems like lot for a player who averaged just 8.2 points per game, but this is a quality signing. Thomas will provide key depth at SF/PF and proved himself as a quality defensive player who can also hit the open 3-pointer. He's just 28, and the Knicks locked him up through his prime years on a contract that is below market value.
Overall Grade: B
I like the Knicks lesser moves three moves, but the Noah signing does give me some pause. I'll continue to jokingly refer to the Knicks as the 2012 NBA Champions, but this team is better. The Knicks won't really be a major threat for the Eastern Conference, but they will be a playoff team. Sure, they overpaid for Noah, but the Knicks free agent moves will help them get back to the playoffs if the core can stay healthy. This was a solid offseason for New York.