This could be the year the New York Knicks finally return to the NBA Finals and quite possibly even win their first world championship since 1973. Basketball fans across the Tri-State area have been starving for a winner, and the Knicks finally have the look of one, at least on paper.

But their bench, which was arguably their biggest weakness over the last couple of seasons, still could use more firepower. They brought in former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson and big man Guerschon Yabusele, but another offensive threat off the bench would greatly help.

There just happens to be a sharpshooting guard who is still available on the free agent market this deep into the summer. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel at ClutchPoints, the Knicks are one of multiple teams that may be interested in snagging Malik Beasley, who is coming off a strong season with the Detroit Pistons.

“Along with the Pistons, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers have also been monitoring Beasley and his status in free agency this offseason, sources said,” Siegel wrote.

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Beasley, 28, is a streaky shooter, but when he’s on, he’s as deadly as anyone in the league. Last season, he averaged 16.3 points in 27.8 minutes a game and shot 41.6% from 3-point range, which led to him finishing second in the voting for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

He’s a high-volume 3-point shooter (he took 9.3 such attempts a game last season), and at 6-foot-4, he has adequate size for the off-guard position.

Malik Beasley
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 24: Malik Beasley #5 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks during the second quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 24: Malik Beasley #5 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks during the second quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 24, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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New York could only offer Beasley a veteran’s minimum contract, which gives it a competitive disadvantage if it were to be serious about pursuing him. However, the team can offer him an opportunity to win the championship, which is something the Pistons and Pacers can’t exactly do.

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Last season, the Knicks were dead last in bench points per game. Then-coach Tom Thibodeau clung to the old-school approach of riding his starters heavily, which may have worn them down as the season wore on. But new head coach Mike Brown has kept up with the NBA‘s evolution during his two decades in the league, and if his most recent stint with the Sacramento Kings was any indication, he’s more than willing to use his bench.

While New York was eighth during the 2024-25 regular season in 3-point shooting percentage, it fell to 10th during the playoffs. It was also 27th in 3-point attempts during the regular season and 13th in that category during the playoffs.

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