**Could the Knicks Target Former 76ers Center in Free Agency?**
The New York Knicks are still on the hunt for a backup center after Isaiah Hartenstein left to join the Oklahoma City Thunder on a three-year, $87 million deal. With options dwindling, a new possibility has emerged from an Eastern Conference rival.
**Paul Reed Could Be a New Target for the Knicks**
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Philadelphia 76ers waived backup center Paul Reed to make room for Caleb Martin. Reed, who was squeezed out of playing time after the 76ers signed veteran center Andre Drummond, might now be on the Knicks’ radar. Reed spent four seasons with the 76ers, appearing in all 82 games last season, including 24 starts, and averaged 7.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Knicks fans might recall Reed’s controversial comments before their first-round playoff matchup, where he called the Knicks an “easier team” compared to the Boston Celtics. The Knicks ultimately eliminated the 76ers, with Reed averaging just 1.5 points per game in the series.
Despite this, the Knicks are in dire need of center depth. Currently, Mitchell Robinson is the starting center, and Jericho Sims is projected as the backup. They have considered bringing back Precious Achiuwa, but his return is uncertain.
**The Knicks’ Expectations for Backup Centers Next Season**
At 6’9” and 210 lbs, Reed offers size and physicality, along with solid rim protection (1.0 blocks per game last season) and good rebounding skills. Although he may not have Hartenstein’s floor-spacing abilities, the Knicks won’t require as much production from their backup center next season.
New York has strengthened their roster with scoring and playmaking depth, acquiring two-way wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and drafting Marquette guard Tyler Kolek. With a healthy Julius Randle and bench options like Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart, the Knicks have versatile players who can guard multiple positions, reducing their reliance on backup bigs.
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