The New York Knicks could have simply wrapped up one in every of their most enjoyable seasons in many years, nevertheless it seems to be just like the entrance workplace is already gearing up for extra. After falling quick within the Japanese Convention Finals, a trusted NBA insider now says the franchise is able to make some critical noise this offseason.
May a blockbuster transfer be on the desk? Or are the Knicks centered on including depth behind their already spectacular core?
Knicks Evaluating Main Modifications After ECF Run
NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the Knicks are holding inside conferences to judge “the whole lot,” particularly on the subject of the roster.
“I’m advised the Knicks have inside conferences this week to judge the whole lot from the roster, totally different modifications they may make round the whole lot, however particularly the roster,” Charania stated. “Whether or not it’s a landmark participant that you may usher in there or undoubtedly depth on that bench.”
This isn’t simply typical offseason chatter. In accordance with Charania, Knicks president Leon Rose has a robust monitor file of creating daring strikes, and extra of the identical may very well be on the best way.
“If the final 12 months and a half is any indication, Knicks president Leon Rose has gone out and gotten OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, [and] Karl-Anthony Cities,” he stated. “I anticipate him to be simply as aggressive this offseason. Whether or not it’s a landmark participant that you may usher in there or undoubtedly depth on that bench.”
Charania additionally famous that head coach Tom Thibodeau referred to as this a “crucial offseason,” and it’s simple to see why. The Knicks simply completed back-to-back 50-win seasons for the primary time because the early Nineteen Nineties and have reached the playoffs in 4 of Thibodeau’s 5 years on the helm.
With Jalen Brunson rising as one of many prime guards within the Japanese Convention and a entrance workplace firmly behind its coach, this workforce is constructed to contend now. However for the Knicks, simply contending may not be sufficient. They’re pushing to interrupt via, and that would imply extra daring strikes are on the horizon.
Who May Be the Landmark Participant for the Knicks?
With Brunson’s team-friendly extension (price $34.9 million yearly) giving them uncommon cap flexibility, the Knicks are in a robust place to make a splash.
One high-profile title being floated is Kevin Durant.
Veteran NBA commentator Invoice Simmons proposed a blockbuster swap — Karl-Anthony Cities to Phoenix and Durant to New York.
“Let me throw this one at you — Cities for Durant,” Simmons stated on The Invoice Simmons Podcast. “I feel Durant has a 12 months left, however you possibly can lengthen him. The salaries truly work as a one-for-one. Cities, when you bear in mind, has an entire friendship historical past with [Devin] Booker. Like they’ve recognized one another since they have been children.”
It’s a daring suggestion, however contemplating the Knicks have already pulled off blockbuster trades for Mikal Bridges and Cities within the span of a 12 months, it’s not out of the query.
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Durant isn’t the one celebrity linked to New York. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s title has additionally surfaced, thanks to a different hypothetical commerce floated by Simmons. In that situation, the Knicks would purchase the two-time MVP by way of a three-team deal involving Cities, San Antonio’s Devin Vassell, and a bundle of first-round picks.
To be clear, there’s no indication Antetokounmpo is demanding a commerce. However experiences recommend he’s open to the concept, and if he ever turns into out there, anticipate the Knicks to be close to the entrance of the road.
