Report: Knicks interested in Tucker, Cunningham, Simmons

The New York Knicks are terrible on both sides of the ball, so it only makes sense that they're in the market for players who can contribute on offense and defense.

Specifically, the Knicks are showing interest in free agent 3-and-D wings P.J. Tucker, Dante Cunningham, and Jonathon Simmons, team sources told Ian Begley of ESPN.

New York would also like to re-sign Justin Holiday - another wing that fits the 3-and-D mold. President Phil Jackson has $19 million in cap room to find a defense-first, low-usage wing to slot around the high-usage stars he's actively trying to root out.

Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek is familiar with Tucker from their days with the Phoenix Suns, where Tucker revived his NBA career after spending his 20s playing internationally. The 32-year-old Tucker established himself as a willing, gritty, and versatile defender first and foremost. His offensive skillset is strictly limited to corner threes and offensive rebounding, but Tucker understands his role and plays within it.

Cunningham, a journeyman who found his way with the Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans, serves a similar purpose. He's not as effective as Tucker is on defense, nor as proficient on the corner three, but he's four inches taller and is two years younger than Tucker.

Simmons holds the most upside out of the three, but the San Antonio Spurs hold his restricted rights. The 27-year-old forward was a breakout star in the playoffs, averaging 10.5 points while routinely guarding the opposing team's best player as Kawhi Leonard bounced in and out of the lineup. The Spurs will most likely try to retain the tenacious fan favorite by matching any offers his way this summer.