The Knicks can sign a fringe free agent

The Knicks are limited and have used their midlevel exception on DiVincenzo, but they can still sign someone to their $4.5 million BAE or veteran minimum.

Unfortunately, the latter triggers some luxury tax bills, which could force New York to agree to a minimal signing or pass altogether.

Whichever direction they take, they have some roster holes that need to be filled and decent talent still available. They could also target veterans to fill the gap in the locker room left by Rose and formerly Taj Gibson.

Another option might be to look for a backup four to replace Toppin. For example, Trendon Watford and Derrick Jones Jr. are two guys capable of stepping into that role that may require the salary offered by New York.

There are also reasons why the Knicks don’t go this route. They might find an undrafted rookie or other Summer League attendee they consider rotational talent and want to keep their roster spot.

Money is another issue, as mentioned earlier. They also can’t promise a potential signer many minutes.