The NBA free-agency period officially starts Friday at 6 p.m., but the trade market is really what Knicks fans should keep an eye on.

It is the avenue that offers the Knicks the best chance to really improve the team this summer.

With plenty of assets, from young players to draft picks, team president Leon Rose has the ability to upgrade his roster coming off the franchise’s best season in a decade.

It doesn’t mean the Knicks will definitely make a significant move.