I think KOQ is in a contract year, and likely gets traded before trade deadline. There's no way I see the Knicks paying him to keep him as another big on the roster. KP can even play some 5. At this dirt cheap contract, KOQ is a bargain, but not summer 2018. Think playing him is smart, he will get traded eventually, in my opinion.
With Willy, I think they still view him as the starter or longterm guy, because like KOQ, Kanter could be a free agent as well. Depends on the market and what his agent advises him, but I could see Kanter get a big offer in the summer. They could lose him, he is unrestricted.
Willy is being pushed to get better, to play the sort of defense that will make him a valuable starter in the NBA. I think they also want him to roll harder and set stronger picks. That is essential from the 5 man. He can do many things he is extremely skilled.
Longterm I see the pecking order as follows
Willy/Kanter (if he can be re-signed for a good deal)/Noah (If he comes back as an asset)
Porzingis
Dotson
Hardaway
Ntilikina/Baker
Unfortunately think we are stuck with Noah and Hardaway for a few years. Noah will have a bounce back year this year, I'm sure of it. If Kanter walks, suddenly we have a bigger need for Noah and we may not even think of stretching his contract next summer. Hardaway will be who he has been, an inconsistent starting level shooting guard. Only value is age. At that price, we're stuck with him for a while.
Dotson can play and belongs in the league. I like him even more than Tim because he's a two way guy.
Frank needs time but the talent is there, and Ron is a good backup for a team like ours.
Sessions, Lee, Thomas, O'Quinn. To me these guys are just short term players who will be traded or let go within the coming year.