The New York Knicks have the foundation of a championship contender, but their second unit has been a glaring weakness. While the bench is filled with veteran players who excel defensively, their offensive production has been lacking, averaging a league-worst 21.4 points per game. To address this issue, Knicks management could explore the option of signing a former NBA player currently playing overseas, someone who could seamlessly transition back to the league and provide the offensive spark their bench desperately needs.
Knicks could make a play for Lonnie Walker IV
The New York Knicks have been linked to shooting guard Lonnie Walker IV as a potential target on the buyout market. Knicks Centric’s Tommy Beer recently mentioned Walker in a post on X, highlighting him as a name to watch (h/t The Sporting News’ Caleb Hightower).
“For those asking about potential names the Knicks could target on the buyout market, here are some players who may be waived and could be of interest to New York (Lonnie Walker IV included on the list),” Beer wrote.
While there are several quality players who could become available—such as Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, Bojan Bogdanovic, Ben Simmons, and Malcolm Brogdon—it’s important to note that the Knicks are restricted in their options. Since they’re over the first apron of the luxury tax, they’re prohibited from signing players off waivers who previously earned more than the mid-level exception ($12.9 million). This limitation makes players like Walker, who fall within the salary threshold, more realistic targets to bolster New York’s struggling second unit.
Walker IV can score in bunches for the Knicks
Lonnie Walker IV holds a career average of 9.8 points per game in 20.3 minutes per contest across six NBA seasons. The 26-year-old has posted double-digit scoring averages in three of those campaigns, showcasing a fearless and aggressive approach on the offensive end.
A standout moment in Walker’s career came during the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals, where he erupted for 15 points in the fourth quarter of Game 4, propelling the Los Angeles Lakers to a 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations is exactly the kind of edge New York could use.
While the Knicks already have capable shooters like Miles McBride and Cam Payne coming off the bench, Walker IV would bring a different dynamic to the second unit. His skill set as a shot creator—capable of generating offense off the dribble and thriving in the midrange—adds valuable variation to New York’s reserve backcourt. Coupled with his speed and defensive versatility, Walker IV could be an ideal fit, providing the offensive spark the Knicks’ bench has been missing.