The New York Knicks are charging into the 2025-26 NBA season with a fresh sense of ambition, bolstered by a flurry of offseason moves aimed squarely at solving last year’s most glaring problem: bench depth. After a campaign that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000—only to fall to the Indiana Pacers in six games—the Knicks’ front office wasted no time retooling their roster, determined to push even further this time around.
At the heart of New York’s resurgence remains a familiar core. Jalen Brunson, the dynamic point guard whose leadership and scoring prowess have become the engine for the Knicks, returns alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Mitchell Robinson. The team’s starting lineup is as formidable as any in the East, but it was the lack of reliable production from the bench that ultimately doomed their playoff run last season.
Recognizing this, the Knicks front office moved aggressively in free agency. Jordan Clarkson, a proven scorer with a knack for igniting the offense, arrived after being waived by the Utah Jazz. Guerschon Yabusele, fresh off a stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, brings size, athleticism, and European championship experience. Both signings are expected to inject much-needed firepower and versatility into a Knicks second unit that, by all accounts, was the least productive in the league last season.
Yet, the work isn’t done. As of late August, the Knicks still hold an open roster spot, widely expected to be filled by another veteran before the February 2026 trade deadline. The front office appears laser-focused on acquiring a seasoned ball-handler, a necessity given the current construction of the roster. Last season, Cam Payne and Delon Wright filled backup point guard duties but are now free agents. Deuce McBride, a talented defender and shooter, is the default backup at the moment, but many analysts—including The Athletic’s James Edwards III—argue he’s better suited off the ball where he can thrive as a catch-and-shoot threat and secondary attacker.
The options for that final roster spot are intriguing. Malik Beasley, while not a traditional point guard, offers the most offensive punch if the Knicks can afford him. Other names floated include Payne, Wright, Landry Shamet, Monté Morris, Seth Curry, Alec Burks, Ben Simmons, and Malcolm Brogdon. Each brings a unique skill set, but the consensus is clear: New York needs someone who can run the offense when Brunson sits, ensuring the ball keeps moving and the pace doesn’t stall.
"The Knicks could sign a veteran point guard in free agency to round out their roster. If they do, it only increases the chances of Kolek being traded to a team that could give him more minutes than the Knicks," wrote Jeremy Brener of Sports Illustrated. Tyler Kolek, the 24-year-old guard drafted 34th overall in 2024 and acquired via trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, finds himself at the center of trade speculation. Despite appearing in 41 games last season—averaging 2.0 points and 1.7 assists in just over seven minutes per night—Kolek’s role could shrink further with the new additions and another veteran likely incoming. The Knicks may look to move him to a team where he’d see more floor time, especially if they’re able to snag another key contributor for their playoff push.
Meanwhile, trade rumors continue to swirl around the Knicks’ backcourt. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently proposed a scenario in which New York sends Deuce McBride and a top-8 protected 2026 first-round pick (via the Washington Wizards) to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Keon Ellis. Ellis, entering his third NBA season, posted impressive efficiency numbers last year—8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game on 48.9% shooting from the field, 43.3% from three, and 84.9% from the line. While McBride remains a fan favorite and is under contract through 2027 at a team-friendly rate, Ellis’ size, defensive versatility, and shooting could make him a more seamless fit alongside Brunson. Still, the question lingers: is it worth sacrificing a valuable draft asset for what might be only a slight upgrade?
Financial flexibility remains a challenge for the Knicks, limiting their ability to make splashy moves. That reality has forced the front office to get creative with trade proposals and minimum-salary signings. Even so, the buzz around Madison Square Garden is palpable. After years of frustration, the Knicks are finally in a position to chase a championship, and fans are eager to see whether these calculated risks will pay off.
Off the court, the Knicks made headlines during the coaching search that followed Tom Thibodeau’s surprising dismissal. Thibodeau, who led the team to a 226-174 record and a 2021 Coach of the Year award, was let go after the playoff defeat. The Knicks ultimately hired Mike Brown, a veteran coach with experience leading the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings. Brown’s resume is impressive: 454-304 in the regular season and 50-40 in the playoffs. His defensive acumen and ability to manage star talent could be just what this roster needs to take the next step.
One of the most captivating storylines of the offseason was the candidacy of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley. Staley, who interviewed for the Knicks’ head coaching job, revealed on the Post Moves podcast that she would have left her collegiate post for the NBA had she been offered the position. Though she reportedly impressed during her interview, NBA insider James L. Edwards III of The Athletic confirmed she was not a finalist for the job. The episode highlights the growing presence of women in NBA coaching circles, with Jenny Boucek, Brittni Dolandson, and Lindsey Harding all serving as assistant coaches in the league.
The Knicks’ recent run to the conference finals and their aggressive offseason moves have set the stage for one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory. With Brunson and Towns leading the way, and a retooled bench featuring Clarkson and Yabusele, expectations are sky-high. Still, the East remains wide open, and the Knicks’ ability to add one more key piece—whether through free agency, trade, or internal development—could determine whether they finally break through to the NBA Finals.
As training camp approaches, all eyes are on New York’s front office. Will they pull off another move to solidify their title credentials? Or will the current group be enough to deliver on the city’s championship dreams? For now, anticipation and optimism reign supreme in the Big Apple.
