Adding Kyle Lowry would make sense for the Knicks

Veteran guard Kyle Lowry is an unrestricted free agent. He spent last season suiting up for the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, and the 38-year-old has proven he's still capable of impacting an NBA game. He isn't the same player he was in his prime, but he can still initiate an offense and brings savvy and toughness on the defensive end.

According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, Lowry is a potential target for the New York Knicks to back up to Jalen Brunson.

“Lowry plays an aggressive style that would fit in well with New York’s defensive identity, though he can’t run an offense like he once did,” Katz reported. “He’s 38 and another season won’t make him any sprier, though he will never stop taking charges.”

New York has a strong Villanova core within its primary rotation. Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo all hail from the university. Lowry would fit the mold that head coach Tom Thibodeau clearly likes, having represented Villanova during his collegiate days. 

Lowry played in 23 games after joining the Sixers last season. He averaged eight points, 4.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game, shooting 44.4% from the field and 40.4% from three-point range. New York needs that type of production off its bench. Thibodeau would likely trust him in the rotation and ensure he has enough playing time to make a positive impact.

While he doesn't have the burst he once had, Lowry is still known for his willingness to put his body on the line and take charge. He will compete to his full ability when trying to get stops and give his team an edge, and his playing style fits the approach Thibodeau likes from his team. Katz reported that Lowry was a target for the Knicks after being brought out by the Charlotte Hornets before signing with the Sixers. 

“Lowry was on the Knicks’ list after a buyout with the Charlotte Hornets last winter, according to league sources,” Katz wrote. “Though he eventually signed with the 76ers.”

If Lowry is willing to join the Knicks and potentially challenge for a championship next season, he would be a logical addition to Thibodeau's team. However, New York's front office must weigh the pros and cons of adding someone in the final year or two of their career. If they feel like Lowry can be a difference-maker off the bench, he could be donning the orange and blue before the end of the year. 

If he does, maybe New York will have a bench unit capable of competing at the highest level in the postseason.