The New York Knicks are always going to be considered one of the most entertaining NBA franchises. A largely successful organization located in a city with tons of celebrities and worldwide prestige, they’ve managed to build a large cult of impassioned fans. Frankly, there’s always the hope that they can build a competitive team with championship potential. However, it might not be subjective to say that the league is better when the Knicks are good.
With that in mind, the Knicks are indeed a title-contender. Their lineup includes the likes of 2015 No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns and All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson, a star duo with a strong supporting cast. Tom Thibodeau is a grinder who is regarded as one of the best defensive coaches in the NBA. In fact, he’s a two-time Coach of the Year Award winner, finishing top-five in voting five times since 2010. At 23-10, they’re now third in the Eastern Conference, heading into the New Year with plenty of momentum.
Knicks Shouldn’t Stop Pursuit Of Jonas Valanciunas
Ahead of their latest game, a 20-point win over the Washington Wizards, New York Post reporter Stefan Bondy spoke to a former top-five pick that the Knicks considered signing during free agency: Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, who has emerged as one of the most popular trade candidates due to the paradox between his age and the team’s timeline.
Spoke this morning with Jonas Valanciunas (14 points, 5 rebounds early in the first half), and he said there was some interest from Knicks in free agency this summer:
“I heard something from that side. But there’s a lot of X&Os. Salary cap issues, this and that. Strategic…
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) December 31, 2024
Despite primarily coming off the bench, the 13-year NBA veteran has averaged 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game in 2024-25. He was sensational against New York on Monday, recording a team-high 22 points while going 10-13 from the field. His dominant scoring wasn’t just a reminder of why teams like the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to him in trade rumors.
16 points in 10 minutes so far for JV 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Op2TgMrZ1x
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 31, 2024
It was a timely performance that should have the Knicks considering making a move for the big man. Though they’ve unloaded several draft picks for Mikal Bridges, Valanciunas’ combination of size, skill, and toughness makes him a difference-maker. Having a more mobile big man on the depth chart would be wise given his vulnerability as a pick-and-roll defender. However, with a bench that ranks 30th in points per game (20.5), they could use more scoring.
Valanciunas could also allow Towns, who’s averaging 34.2 minutes per game this season, to rest more. The Knicks have relied heavily on his offense but it’s a long season. Having him as fresh as possible during the playoffs would only help them make a run to the NBA Finals.
