The New York Knicks entered “all-in” mode this offseason by trading for Mikal Bridges and extending OG Anunoby. With these moves, the Knicks’ roster has drastically improved despite losing one key free agent. Only time will tell whether the roster additions are enough to propel the Knicks toward a championship expedition. Regardless, the team got better, and playoff contention should be a done deal.
New York Knicks Offseason: A Review To Date
A Busy Knicks Offseason Included a Little of Everything
The New York Knicks dove headfirst into the offseason with one of the biggest trades of the summer. The franchise also parted with several first-round draft picks, re-signed a highly notable free agent, and lost a highly notable free agent. The last huge offseason the Knickerbockers had was in 2022 when they signed Jalen Brunson as a free agent. That transaction has evolved into the most underrated free agent prize in the last decade—and maybe the best free agent signing. Since adding Brunson, the Knick’s fortunes have shifted mightily.
This offseason, while less monumental a move than signing Brunson, the Knicks swung for the fences in trading for Mikal Bridges. The swap with Brooklyn involved five first-round draft picks, a pick swap, and Bojan Bogdanovic—quite a haul for the Nets. Nevertheless, this sets up a reunion between Bridges and a few Villanova Wildcats teammates. The quartet featuring Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, Bridges, and Brunson won the NCAA National Championship in 2016.
New York has essentially tossed all its cards on the table this offseason. The vision was to adjust and improve a roster that can compete, contend, and match up against other top teams in the Eastern Conference. So far, that vision is looking pretty good.
Key Player Departures
Even though the Knicks cashed in on additions, there was also a significant loss to be felt. Last year’s playoff standout, Isaiah Hartenstein, left New York for Oklahoma as a free agent. Hartenstein was the heartbeat of the Knicks playoff run last year. His rebounding numbers were ridiculous against the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers in rounds one and two. Losing him this offseason might hurt the Knicks at the center position. However, Hartenstein had earned a payday, and the Thunder awarded him that giving him a three-year $87 million dollar deal.
Bojan Bogdanovic‘s time in New York was cut short due to an injury that knocked him out of the playoffs. With the key roster additions made by the Knicks, trading the sharpshooter made sense, especially considering they got Bridges. Other offseason departures included Shake Milton, Duane Washington Jr., and Alec Burks. Melton was part of the Bridges trade while Burks signed with the Miami Heat in early July.
Key Player Acquisitions
Mikal Bridges was the big outside addition to the Knicks this offseason. Re-signing OG Anunoby was the most important move, though. Traded from the Toronto Raptors mid-season, Anunoby fit perfectly with the Knicks lineup. The proof was in the team’s 20-3 record with him playing. If he had not been lost to injury in the playoffs—who knows?
The Knicks also re-signed Precious Achiuwa and Jacob Toppin and added Cameron Payne and Keita Bates-Diop was included in the Nets trade along with Bridges.
Knick’s Impressive Lineup
It isn’t easy to fully come out and proclaim the Knicks as clear-cut favorites in the East. One of their flaws is lacking depth and availability at the center position. Mitchell Robinson is good but injury-prone. However, the Bridges trade and retaining Anunoby has to vault the Knicks into top contention in their conference. A lineup featuring Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, DiVincenzo, and Hart, with Robinson covering the paint, is a daunting, energetic, and tenacious lineup. Last year’s playoffs showed that, and that was sans Bridges.
If the Knicks can stay healthy and available, Jalen Brunson and his rag-tag crew of Nova cats can absolutely contend for a final-four spot next May.
