New York Knicks Sign Aaron Afflalo To Two-Year Deal

Mandatory Photo Credit: Scoopsnest.com

The off-season thus far for the New York Knicks has been typical. Displeased fans during the draft and a surplus of New York media circulating and revolving around the team’s struggles. Knicks’ fans could have something to look forward to as the Knicks have signed guard Arron Afflalo to a two-year, $16 million deal Thursday morning. The deal was first reported by ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne.

The news comes as the second day of free agency in the National Basketball Association. The Knicks stayed relatively quiet through the first day, but splashed with the signing of Afflalo the following day.

Afflalo, 29, played for both the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trailblazers during the 2014-15 season. The signing fills the void of recently traded guard Tim Hardaway to the Atlanta Hawks. In addition, Afflalo fits Knicks’ head coach Derek Fisher‘s needs with a quality two-way play.

Although the 2014-15 season was considered a down year, compared to his 2013-14 campaign, Afflalo still posted 13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest.

With the addition of adding Afflalo, and now the Knicks missing out on Greg Monroe, the Knicks can look forward to an improved offensive unit, as well as premier defensive unit. Afflalo has been considered one of the league’s best perimeter defender throughout his career thus far. If the production of the defense remains the same, the Knicks can surely benefit.

Although Knicks’ fans have expressed their distrust with Phil Jackson and the triangle offense, slotting Afflalo could in more of an ideal situation, opposed to former Knicks J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert. Playing alongside of iconic Carmelo Anthony and newly drafted point guard Jerian Grant can provide opportunities for Afflalo.