With free agency less than a week away from kicking off in the NBA, the Knicks have been closely related with some of the top players on the market, including Kawhi Leonard. 

But, according to the latest odds released by Odds Shark, New York isn't at the top of the list when it comes to who will land the dyanmic All-Star.

The Knicks' odds come in at +1400, which is fourth on the list. The Raptors remain the favorite with -225 odds. Here's how the list shakes out...

Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard has declined his player option to become an unrestricted free agent, according to Yahoo! Sports' Chris Haynes.

The Knicks, who have enough salary cap space to sign two free agents to max deals, are planning an "aggressive" pursuit of Leonard, according to SNY's Ian Begley, however Leonard, according to Haynes, is "seriously considering" re-signing with the NBA champion Raptors.

In case you missed it on at the NBA Draft on Thursday, the New York Knicks made a splash. They drafted a Canadian sharpshooter with no shortage of confidence and expectations to make an immediate impact to the organization.

Oh, and they drafted RJ Barrett, too.

The Knicks' second-round pick, Ignas "Iggy" Brazdeikis, may not have received all the attention that his countryman Barrett has garnered, but that doesn't mean Knicks fans shouldn't know his name. In fact, his coaches say it won't be long before everyone in New York knows exactly who Brazdeikis is.

Las Vegas Summer League is just two weeks away, and with it comes a chance for Knicks fans to take in their newly-upgraded young core for the first time.

At Thursday's NBA Draft, New York selected R.J. Barrett with the third overall pick, then Ignas Brazdeikis in the second round. These two rookies will be making their debut in the blue-and-orange, and we'll see some returning faces there to show off their offseason improvements. As always, the team will bring in some undrafted rookies and vagabond free agents to seek out a diamond in the rough.

Here is how the Knicks' Summer League roster appears to be shaping up in what will surely be a fun overlap with free agency come July.

Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Ignas Brazdeikis was asked on Friday to describe his game. His answer is probably something that will endear him to the Knick fan base. 

"I'm a relentless player. I don't fear anyone or anything. I don't back down from anyone either," Brazdeikis, the Knicks' second-round pick, said. "I'm very confident in my abilities as well. I go as hard as I can every single game to help the team win. I'm aggressive. I feel like I l know who I am as a basketball player."

The Knicks traded up in the second round to select Brazdeikis, a 20-year-old freshman forward from Michigan. They sent cash and the 55th pick to Sacramento in exchange for the 47th pick. 

RJ Barrett was officially introduced as a Knick on Friday.

Speaking with SNY Insider Ian Begley, Barrett talked about what life's been like since finding out he'd be going to New York as the third-overall pick, his on-the-court mentality, and more.

"It's been a lot to take in," said Barrett. "A lot of excitement, a lot of celebration, so it's been fun."

Knicks fans will get an early look at some of the team's young talent during the Summer League schedule. Here are the latest news and notes concerning the Knicks' summer schedule ...

June 21, 9:03 PM:

Sources have told SNY Insider Ian Begley that Zak Irvin has commited to playing with the Knicks Summer League team. 

A 6-foot-6 guard, Irvin played last season with the Westchester Knicks, averaging 11.8 points and 8.6 rebounds.

Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Knicks president Steve Mills didn't want to talk about free agency during the introductory press conference for Knicks rookies RJ Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis.

"Today is not the day to talk about free agency," Mills said. "We're here to celebrate and enjoy having these guys join our team."

But when he was asked what the Knicks' message to their fans is at the moment, Mills preached patience.

Thursday night's Knicks draft picks RJ Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis were introduced to the New York media on Friday, while Steve Mills, Scott Perry, and David Fizdale also fielded questions. Here are the key quotes...

Is Barrett ready to "carry" the franchise?

"Carry? I wouldn't say carry -- I'd say it's gonna be a great group of guys that are gonna be together. We're all excited to play for coach Fizdale, this is the biggest stage. So yeah, I'm excited to be here. I'm excited to play. But I haven't even played a game yet, so how are you gonna ask me a question like that?" It should be noted that Barrett laughed when delivering the final line...

After drafting Duke's RJ Barrett third overall and Michigan's Ignas Brazdeikis 47th overall in Thursday's NBA draft, the Knicks continued to make moves by signing several undrafted free agents.

New York signed UCLA forward Kris Wilkes to a two-way deal and also agreed to terms with Louisville forward V.J. King and Shaw University guard Amir Hinton, SNY's Ian Begley confirmed.

King, a 6-foot-6, 190-pound junior, averaged 3.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in 32 games for the Cardinals, while Hinton, a 6-foot-5 guard, led all of Division II in scoring, averaging 29.4 points per game as a junior.

About an hour after the Knicks took him with the third pick of the NBA Draft on Thursday night, RJ Barrett delivered a straightforward message to the city. 

"New Yorkers, I'm here. I love you. Let's try to get back to that championship way," Barrett said late Thursday. 

After all of the last-minute workouts with other players, New York made the expected move in taking Barrett with the third overall pick. 

The Knicks stayed at No. 3 and selected RJ Barrett out of Duke -- a move many saw the team doing. 

Of course, GM Scott Perry and team president Steve Mills kept their phone lines open to see if there was a good trade package to potentially move down in the Draft. But during a conference call with New York media after the pick, Perry said they knew the talent level was different at the top of the prospect list. 

Barrett was ranked very highly by the Knicks, and staying at No. 3 was the best move in their eyes for the team. 

The Knicks were not done making moves once the NBA Draft was over. 

The franchise also signed UCLA F Kris Wilkes to a two-way contract, first reported by Tim Bontemps of ESPN and confirmed by SNY's Ian Begley. 

Wilkes is a lanky 6-foot-8 wing who has a mix of athleticism and jump-shooting ability. 

The Knicks traded up from the 55th to 47th pick to select Michigan forward Ignas Brazdeikis.

Sources confirmed to SNY Insider Ian Begley that the Knicks sent the 55th overall pick and cash considerations to the Kings in order to move up. The Kings selected Brazdeikis with the 47th pick since the trade had not yet been finalized, but the deal was made official later in the night.

Listed at 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, Brazdeikis played one season at Michigan. With the Wolverines, Brazdeikis averaged 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game.

With the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Knicks selected Duke G RJ Barrett in a move everyone was expecting. 

The Draft went according to plan, with the Pelicans taking Barrett's Blue Devils teammate Zion Williamson and the Grizzlies nabbing Ja Morant at No. 2. That saw Barrett fall into the Knicks' laps, and they jumped on the opportunity to add the dynamic guard to their roster. 

Barrett has expressed his desire to play for New York next season. The Knicks were the only team that he worked out for, and that was done by design.

The Knicks selected RJ Barrett with the No. 3 overall pick, and he was immediately showered with cheers in Barclays Center as he made his way to the stage. 

Knicks fans are ecstatic that Barrett will don the blue and orange next season, and they let us know exactly how they felt after the pick was made...

The first three picks fell into place the way most people thought they would, and the Knicks selected RJ Barrett, the player they had seemingly targeted throughout the draft process, with the third-overall pick.

Players and fans alike seemed to all be in agreement with the selection. Here's a look at some of the reaction to Barrett becoming the newest member of the Knicks ...

RJ Barrett is going to be a Knick. 

SNY's Ian Begley is hearing from a source that the Knicks don't expect any surprises, and they will remain at No. 3 to select Barrett. The Athletic's Shams Charania also reported that the first three picks of the Draft are set with Zion Williamson going to the Pelicans first overall, and Ja Morant to the Grizzlies at No. 2.

Begley has been reporting all week that Barrett is the Knicks' man if they didn't get rid of the No. 3 pick in a potential trade-down scenario. The only workout he had with any team this offseason was with the Knicks, as he has aspirations to begin his career in New York. 

After the Knicks get through the draft on Thursday night, their attention will turn fully to free agency.

We know that the Knicks will still have interest in Kevin Durant, who is expected to miss next season as he rehabs from an Achilles injury.

They are also going to be aggressive in their pursuit of NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.

As the Knicks prepare to use their two picks in the 2019 NBA Draft tonight at Barclays Center, here's a look back at their Top 5 Draft steals in franchise history...

Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

We know that the Knicks are settled on taking RJ Barrett at the No. 3 pick if he's available, but what will they do with their second round pick?

New York owns the No. 55 pick in the second round, and has worked out several prospects who would fall in that range. Below are a look at a few prospects who the Knicks may look at with their late second-round selection:

The Knicks held a private workout with UNC guard Coby White on Thursday, hours before the NBA draft, SNY's Ian Begley confirmed.

While the Knicks are "locked in" on selecting Duke's RJ Barrett with the third pick, according to Begley, they have held pre-draft workouts with White and Vanderbilt's Darius Garland in the days leading up to the draft.

White, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound point guard, averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 35 games for the Tar Heels as a freshman last season.

Something worth noting for the Knicks as Thursday's NBA Draft approaches: teams in touch with the Memphis Grizzlies recently are under the impression that they would need to be presented with an incredibly strong offer to trade the No. 2 pick, per SNY sources.

Those teams believe the Grizzlies are happy with their draft position and the opportunity to select Murray State's Ja Morant, sources say. That scenario became all the more likely on Wednesday when Memphis agreed to trade Mike Conley to the Utah Jazz.

This is all relevant to the Knicks, of course, because they have the No. 3 pick, right after the Grizzlies. And teams have reportedly been calling Memphis about trades for the No. 2 pick.

Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

If the Knicks draft him, RJ Barrett knows he'd be responsible for helping turn around a franchise that has won just one playoff series in the last 19 years. And he's OK with that.

"I feel like that would be a challenge that I'm willing to accept," Barrett said on Wednesday at the NBA's media availability for projected lottery picks.

The Knicks have met with Ja Morant and Cam Reddish, and worked out Darius Garland and Jarrett Culver. But the consensus among opposing execs is that they will take Barrett at No. 3 if they hold on to the pick. It's hard to say how likely a trade down is, but it would make sense for the Knicks to listen to offers until they are ready to make a pick.

The Knicks have the tools to reshape their roster and build a contender.

But will they be able to make it happen?

SNY Insider Ian Begley details what the Knicks can look to do this summer, starting with the NBA Draft and moving into free agency.

Vanderbilt's Darius Garland said his solo workout with the Knicks on Wednesday went well and he got no indication that the club wouldn't consider taking him with the No. 3 pick.

"If they called me in for a workout I believe so," Garland said Wednesday when asked if he thought the Knicks may take him at three.

Obviously, the Knicks would have no reason to tip their hand a little more than 24 hours before Thursday's NBA Draft.

With the Knicks projected to take Duke's R.J. Barrett with the third-overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, here's a look at some of the most notable names to come out of Duke who never panned out in the NBA.

Knicks fans are hoping that Barrett won't end up with the other players on this list.

With the rumors swirling around Chris Paul leaving the Rockets, teams that could absorb his contract like the Knicks were immediately brought up. 

However, it doesn't look like New York will be Paul's new home. 

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor has heard from sources that the Rockets have actually reached out to the Knicks about Paul. But the Knicks "refused" to delve into a potential trade. 

NBA Draft season is upon us, and the Knicks were awarded the No. 3 overall pick following the NBA Draft Lottery. As June 20 approaches to them being on the clock, here is the latest about the top prospects in this year's Draft class as it pertains to the Knicks...

June 19, 11:52 AM:

Ja Morant is basically a lock at the No. 2 pick, as the Grizzlies have traded their veteran point guard Mike Conley to the Jazz, per The Athletic's Shams Charania. In turn, it looks as if RJ Barrett could also be a lock for the Knicks at No. 3. 

Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

It's logical to think that there are no players on the Knicks roster who are off limits when it comes to potential trades, but 2017 first-round pick Frank Ntilikina is one player who members of the organization are open to listening to offers on, sources confirm.

Ntilikina has been a part of trade rumors for several months. It is unclear what the Knicks would be looking for in return for a Ntilikina deal, but the New York Post, which first reported the Knicks' willingness to move Ntilikina, says the club is looking for a late first or second-round pick. 

With the Knicks projected to take Duke's R.J. Barrett with the third-overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, now's the perfect time to look at the best Duke players in NBA history.

Could Barrett be the next great Duke player at the NBA level?

If Al Horford is on his way out of Boston, could Clint Capela be on his way in?

Multiple outlets reported on Tuesday that contract talks have broken up between the Celtics and the five-time All Star Horford, meaning Boston could now be in the market for a big man, much the same as the Knicks after both teams missed out on Anthony Davis.

The Celtics may have found their answer.

Former Duke star Cam Reddish caught up with SNY's Ian Begley this week in New York City ahead of the NBA Draft to talk about his meeting with the Knicks and what it would be like for him if he were to end up in New York.  

Al Horford is reportedly set to hit the free agent market.

The five-time All-Star will decline his $30 million option with the Celtics, and though there had previously been a thought that Horford would return to the Celtics on a more team-friendly deal, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald is now reporting that Horford will look elsewhere, likely for a four-year contract.

The Knicks are currently poised to take RJ Barrett with the third overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, and many seem to think he's the perfect fit for New York. 

Add Mike Krzyzewski to that list. 

The Duke star's college coach was in New York to host his pre-draft SiriusXM show and explained why he believes Barrett will have success with the Knicks. 

There is turmoil in Houston between the Rockets two superstars in SG James Harden and PG Chris Paul, so much so that the latter has demanded a trade, per Yahoo! Sports Vincent Goodwill.

Goodwill says Harden and Paul's relationship has been termed "unsalvageable," and after the Rockets fell to the Warriors in the second round of the playoffs, Harden had a "him or me" talk with ownership. 

"There's no respect at all, on either side," a source told Goodwill. "They need to get away from one another. Chris doesn't respect James' standing in the league, and James doesn't respect the work Chris has put in to this point."

The Knicks have a workout scheduled with Vanderbilt's Darius Garland on Wednesday, the day before the NBA Draft, league sources confirm to SNY.

Garland is one of the top point guards in the draft but is projected outside of the top three picks. ESPN, which first reported Garland's workout, says that he is in serious consideration for New York with the third pick.

It's worth noting, though, that the Knicks have worked out other prospects who will likely fall outside of the top three, including Duke's Cam Reddish and Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver. They have also met with the projected No. 2 pick Ja Morant.

With just two days until the Knicks are on the clock at No. 3 overall, one would think New York is set with their plan come Thursday night. 

That is until a "last-minute workout" was scheduled for Wednesday with Vanderbilt PG Darius Garland, per ESPN's Jonathan Givony. 

Garland is a top-10 prospect that some can see going in the top five. Givony adds that the Knicks are in "serious consideration" of picking Garland at No. 3...

Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

RJ Barrett has been training for several weeks ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft. And the workouts, with trainer Drew Hanlen, have prioritized two area's of Barrett's game: shooting and the ability to shift directions off the dribble to elude defenders - aka wiggle.

Scouts mention those two areas when discussing things Barrett - who the Knicks will likely select at No. 3 on Thursday if he's on the board and Ja Morant is not - needs to improve upon at the next level.

In a phone interview last week, Hanlen discussed some of the things that Barrett's been working on ahead of the draft:

The Knicks drafting RJ Barrett with the No. 3 pick reportedly may not be that sure of a thing.

According to Marc Berman of The Post, the New Orleans Pelicans have had internal talks to trade up from their recently acquired No. 4 pick from the Los Angeles Lakers to the No. 2 pick so they could select Barrett after taking Zion Williamson with the first overall pick. 

If such a deal were to happen, Murray State's Ja Morant would be the Knicks' best option at 3. 

The Knicks' odds to sign free agent to-be Kevin Durant have worsened, relatively speaking.

A week after they were favored to land Durant after he suffered what would become a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Knicks are now considered co-favorites with the Golden State Warriors at +150 to land Durant, according to Odds Shark.

The same sports book last week listed the Knicks at -175 odds and the Warriors at +210. 

The Knicks hold the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft. Will their selection become of one the best lottery picks in team history?

Or will it be a bust?

Here's a look at SNY's bottom five Knicks lottery picks, since its inception in 1985.

Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Barring an unforeseen change, Westchester Knicks G League coach Mike Miller is expected to join David Fizdale's staff next season, per SNY sources.

Miller was named G League coach of the year in 2017-18.

Assistant Howard Eisley left the Knicks recently to join Juwan Howard's staff at Michigan.

Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

About six weeks after Duke's loss to Michigan State in the Elite Eight, RJ Barrett was in California with Zion Williamson and trainer David Zenon. They were on the West Coast for something totally unrelated to college basketball, but the defeat was still on Barrett's mind. 

"He was saying, 'We should have had that game,'" Zenon says. "(My teammates and I) should have done this and we should have done that. He had four or five things that he listed that the players needed to do." 

As he reeled off the specific issues, it was clear how much the loss still bothered Barrett.

The Knicks did not land Anthony Davis, but perhaps they can make a run at another Pelicans center.

New York is reportedly a fan of Julius Randle, according to the New York Post's Marc Berman, and could pursue him when free agency begins in two weeks.

Randle, 24, will not exercise his $9 million player option with New Orleans so he can test free agency, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Any designs the Knicks might have had of forming a superteam with Anthony Davis were destroyed Saturday evening with the news that the Pelicans were dealing the star to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks, including this year's No. 4 overall pick.

So where do the Knicks go from here?

As SNY's Ian Begley has reported, the Knicks plan to aggressively pursue Kawhi Leonard, who just led the Raptors to their first-ever NBA championship and was named NBA Finals MVP. 

The Knicks will have to move ahead without Anthony Davis. 

The Pelicans have agreed to trade the superstar to the Lakers for a monster haul which includes Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks, including the No. 4 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. 

SNY's Ian Begley previously reported that the Knicks had at least one conversation with the Pelicans about a potential Davis trade.

The Knicks hold the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft. Will their selection become of one the best lottery picks in team history?

Here's a look at SNY's Top 5 Knicks lottery picks, since its inception in 1985.

The Knicks hold the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft. All eyes are on R.J. Barrett, but the Knicks are hoping to avoid making this list with whichever player they take.

Here's a look at SNY's 5 Worst No. 3 picks of the Draft Lottery era (since 1985.)