The following two months for the New York Knicks will hold implications for years ahead, as they are currently without a head coach and could look to acquire another star next to Jalen Brunson. This player could be Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, or even Brandon Ingram, but it is clear New York wants to improve, and the only untouchable is Brunson.
The Knicks’ free agent list this summer consists of several names; however, most were not in the rotation or had been removed at some point during the regular season. This should be music to the LA Clippers’ ears, as some of these guys would thrive with Tyronn Lue as head coach.
Furthermore, big man Precious Achiuwa is on this list as New York's most notable free agent. He is a phenomenal, well-rounded talent and was excellent this season; however, a writer for the Knicks recently reported that he will likely be elsewhere next season.
REPORT: Precious Achiuwa is unlikely to return to the New York Knicks, per @StevePopper pic.twitter.com/iBLMWls6ID
— Shot Coverage (@ShotCoverage) June 8, 2025
There are reasons why he may not be back, and as a result, the Clippers should fly him in for a meeting.
On the mid-level exception, New York Knicks big man Precious Achiuwa would be a great fit on the LA Clippers
Any coaching staff that views a veteran as part of their plans for the subsequent season would likely use them in the playoffs. Conversely, Precious Achiuwa was rarely played by the New York Knicks in their Eastern Conference Finals run, and now that he has the free will to walk out, the big man will likely maximize it. This backs up the report from Steve Popper, a Knicks writer for ‘Newsday Sports.’
Although Achiuwa has never had a field goal percentage of 55%, he would still be the best backup the LA Clippers have had since Isaiah Hartenstein.
After Hartenstein was forced to join the Knicks because LA preferred John Wall, their secondary center has consistently had a major flaw. Thus, head coach Tyronn Lue has not been able to let Ivica Zubac breathe on the sidelines, as he could be subbed back within milliseconds.
Achiuwa, on the other hand, would thrive in the second unit and rescue Zubac. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in the regular season (2024-25), which is solid, but with James Harden, his numbers would likely improve, even if he played around 15 minutes per game.
That said, the fact that he will likely explore his options should excite the Clippers’ front office, and in a potential visit, LA must convince him to sign on the mid-level exception.