NBA Rumors: 3 Players the New York Knicks are currently targeting

The 18-19 season was another miserable one for the New York Knicks as the team finished with the NBA's worst record.

However, the organization has created enough cap space to sign two players to max-contracts, and the Knicks are set to be among the offseason's major forces.

A host of names have been linked with a move to New York, and here are three players that could be turning out at Madison Square Garden later this year.

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#3 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard has been excellent during the Toronto Raptors' run to the NBA Finals

Following an excellent season with the Toronto Raptors, Kawhi Leonard will be among the summer's most in-demand free agents. Leonard has been strongly linked with both the Clippers and Lakers, although Marc Berman of the NY Post believes that the Knicks are among the contenders to secure the All-Star's signature:

The Knicks do not have all their eggs in one basket as they prepare for free agency. According to NBA sources, Knicks president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry fully expect to get a meeting with Raptors star Kawhi Leonard and at least have a puncher’s chance despite all the Kevin Durant hoopla.

That tandem may not be possible anyway because Leonard’s max contract would be larger than Irving’s. But the Knicks still feel they can be in the ballgame for Leonard, who is two wins away from winning his second NBA championship and equaling Durant’s ring total.

Leonard, though he looks to be playing at less than 100 percent after aggravating his knee in the Eastern Conference Finals against Milwaukee, could be an even better fit than Durant.

During the regular season, Leonard averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.

#2 Marcus Morris

Marcus Morris has been a valuable player to the Celtics during his two seasons with the team

Marcus Morris will become an unrestricted free agent later this month, and according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Knicks are among a number of teams interested in signing the 29-year-old:

Celtics free agent Marcus Morris will have strong interest as a second-tier free agent, with teams such as the Knicks, Kings, Lakers, Clippers and Bulls expected to be in pursuit, league sources said. League sources say Morris remains open-minded about returning to Boston, which wants to bring Morris back but has several summer priorities such as Kyrie Irving.

During the 18-19 season, Morris averaged 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. The veteran was able to make an impact both from the Boston starting lineup and reserve unit, and while not an All-Star, he would provide valuable depth to the Knicks roster.

#1 Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving appears destined to leave the Boston Celtics this summer

Kyrie Irving verbally committed his long-term future to the Boston Celtics back at the beginning of the season, although his stance changed as the campaign progressed. With free agency just weeks away, Irving has failed to agree to a new deal, and according to Ian Begley of SNY.tv, the Knicks are among his most likely destinations:

That applies to Irving as well. His plans/desires today may not be the same as they are on June 30. With that said, in recent days, people around Irving have described the probability of him returning to Boston as a free agent as low. Celtics GM Danny Ainge told reporters Wednesday that they haven't received any indication yet from Irving that he doesn't want to return to Boston.

Those around Irving also said recently that he hasn't ruled out teams -- including the Knicks -- as possible destinations for him this summer, per SNY sources.

While the Celtics were among the most disappointing performers of the season, Irving continued to play well, averaging 23.8 points and 6.9 assists per game.