Allow me to correct your logic.
You don't give Noah, Baker (Justin Holiday was better and signed for less) or Thomas deals, because they are a dime a dozen players. We don't have stars, so you don't pay role players. Lance Thomas is making 7MM next season Ron Baker 4.5MM those guys should barely be on a roster, let alone taking up 11.5MM in salary. Noah couldn't stay healthy before we signed him so I am just confused why you think you reward these guys because they try.
Burke was had for nothing. Same with Beasley. You only reward role players when they are within a championship or playoff roster.
Look at the following one year deals signed last offseason, all were a position of need for the Knicks.
Rondo - $3.3MM
KCP - $18MM
Tyreke Evans - $3.2MM
Reddick - $23MM
You don't rush to sign guys that aren't in demand, nor do you tie up room on guys that aren't producing wins. The three guys you said are exactly the guys you reward can't score and aren't elite defenders.
Explain the defensive culture we are building with Burke, Hardaway (Rudy Gay 2 years 17MM, player option), Kanter, Kornet. Are we a top 15 defensive team in this league? No. Top 20, no.