Dissatisfying Elimination from Playoffs Potentially Prompts Knicks to Seek Roster Adjustments
The New York Knicks splurged on an NBA title run in the past off-season through separate deals for power forward Karl-Anthony Towns and small forward Mikal Bridges. Despite a better postseason finish compared to the previous season, a second consecutive conference final defeat against the Indiana Pacers left the team wanting more.
With looming cap constraints and roster questions for the upcoming offseason, the Knicks face tough decisions regarding their pursuit of their first title this century.
Starting off, the Knicks have two unprotected first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 that could be valuable pieces for potential trades. With a hefty price tag, it's likely that these picks would be used in exchange for a roster asset making big bucks, such as Karl-Anthony Towns.
Escape Future Financial Turmoil with a Towns Trade
Towns displayed scoring potential during the playoffs, but the pairing with franchise cornerstone Jalen Brunson wasn't a winning combination on the court. The team performed best with KAT on the floor and Brunson off. In contrast, a combination of both stars led to the team's lowest defensive net rating.
With Towns' salary reaching the $50 million range over the next two years, the team's likelihood of any flexibility hinges on offloading him now while his value remains relatively high. A likely trade partner could be the Charlotte Hornets in a deal centered around power forward Miles Bridges and the upcoming expiring contract of center Jusuf Nurkic. This move would give the Knicks the opportunity to move Nurkic at the end of next season, while potentially trading Bridges as well if he generates good value with a solid Knicks season.
Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson for Extra Frontcourt Depth
Another move for the Knicks could involve trading the contracts of guard Josh Hart and center Mitchell Robinson for a younger big man and a power forward depth option.
Despite being a team leaper and steady defender, Hart's postseason struggles from deep make him questionable for extended playoff runs. In this year's conference semifinals, Hart shot abysmally, ending the series with a -59 on the floor. Given the Knicks' recent acquisitions of Bridges and O.G. Anunoby, Hart's presence may no longer be essential.
Robinson contributed significantly on the boards for the Knicks, but long-term health concerns could be insurmountable. He's had a combined 48 games played in the last two seasons, logging fewer than 21 minutes in the 18 postseason games.
Both Hart and Robinson possess tradeable contracts, and the Knicks might consider dealing them for the utility of Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and power forward John Collins. These newcomers would bring youth and further depth to the Knicks' frontcourt, potentially setting the stage for flexibility in the event of a Towns departure.
In the upcoming NBA offseason, the New York Knicks might explore trading Karl-Anthony Towns to escape future financial turmoil, especially considering his hefty salary and the team's looming cap constraints. A potential trade partner could be the Charlotte Hornets, offering Miles Bridges and Jusuf Nurkic's expiring contract in exchange.
To fill the void possibly left by Towns, the Knicks could consider trading the contracts of guard Josh Hart and center Mitchell Robinson for a younger big man and a power forward depth option. This move might bring in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and power forward John Collins, adding youth and depth to the Knicks' frontcourt.
