Knicks’ Strategy for the Upcoming NBA Season
As the New York Knicks contemplate their strategy for the upcoming NBA season after a frustrating exit from the Eastern Conference Finals, significant changes seem imminent. Following their first trip to this critical playoff stage in 25 years, the team is already considering a coaching change during the early days of the offseason.
Facing a tight roster upgrade scenario, the Knicks are poised to utilize the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception, hoping to attract a key player before potentially settling for veteran minimum contracts.
Potential Targets for the Knicks
The following five players emerge as realistic candidates for the Knicks to target with this exception:
Chris Paul – Though he may be considered a long shot given New York’s budget constraints, acquiring Chris Paul could be a transformative move. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Paul continues to provide a stable offensive presence, adept shooting, and smart defensive strategies. Last season, he achieved a 37.7% shooting percentage from beyond the arc while averaging a commendable 7.4 assists against just 1.6 turnovers over a full 82-game stretch. With impressive postseason experience, Paul could gel well with both the bench and starting lineup alongside Jalen Brunson.
Al Horford – Looking to enhance their frontcourt options, the Knicks might also consider veteran Al Horford, though his price may exceed the taxpayer MLE. If they can secure him, Horford’s ability to stretch the floor as a center or provide additional size at the power forward position could greatly benefit the team. His playoff success—including a 40% three-point shooting rate in last year’s postseason—and rapport with Karl-Anthony Towns makes him an attractive addition.
Luke Kennard – Addressing the need for wing depth, Kennard would offer an elite shooting option. With a notable career shooting percentage of 44% from three, he would alleviate the over-reliance on starting players by diversifying the rotation. The Knicks faced issues last season with guards filling in for their wings, and Kennard represents an opportunity to rectify that imbalance. While other teams might offer him a larger contract, he should remain on the Knicks’ radar.
Dennis Schroder – Another potential addition is Dennis Schroder, a reliable backup point guard who proved a challenging opponent during the Knicks’ playoff matchup last season. Known for his aggressive defense and ability to drive into the paint, Schroder would significantly improve the bench’s performance compared to last year. Although rumors suggest a move to Sacramento, New York’s closer positioning to contention could sway him.
Malcolm Brogdon – Finally, Malcolm Brogdon presents the Knicks with a potentially solid production source off the bench. Having experienced a series of injuries with Washington, he is due for a resurgence on a competitive team. With a career average of 39% from three-point range and at just 32 years old, he represents a strong asset if he can maintain his health in a limited capacity. With his recent track record, Brogdon could be a pivotal signing at the right contract level.
