The New York Knicks are making headlines once again as the 2025 NBA offseason continues to unfold, with the franchise charting a bold new course both on the bench and on the hardwood. After a rollercoaster 2024-25 campaign that saw the Knicks fall just short of the NBA Finals—losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals—the front office decided to shake things up in a move that caught many fans and analysts off guard. Out went Tom Thibodeau, the defensive-minded head coach who had guided the team to its deepest playoff run in years, and in came Mike Brown, a seasoned leader with a reputation for adaptability and a fresh approach to player rotations.
Brown, who boasts an impressive career record of 454-304 and has previously helmed the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings, arrives in New York with a clear vision. Unlike his predecessor, Brown is expected to lean more heavily on the Knicks' bench, seeking to maximize the depth and versatility of the roster. This strategic pivot is already evident in the team’s offseason moves, with the Knicks securing two key free agent signings: dynamic guard Jordan Clarkson and versatile forward Guerschon Yabusele. Both newcomers are anticipated to play significant roles in Brown’s system, which values energy and scoring punch off the bench—a marked contrast to Thibodeau’s preference for a tight, starter-heavy rotation.
The Knicks’ front office, however, isn’t done yet. With one roster spot still open for a minimum contract, speculation is swirling about who might fill that final vacancy. Several names have emerged as potential targets, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. Among the most intriguing is sharpshooter Seth Curry, who, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, could be exactly the type of floor-spacing weapon the Knicks need. "It doesn't hurt to have a surplus of players who can hit 3s, and few are more accurate than Curry," Edwards wrote. "He led the NBA in 3-point percentage last year at 45.6 (only 2.7 attempts per game) and has shot less than 40 percent from 3 only once over his last seven seasons."
Curry’s resume speaks for itself. Last season with the Charlotte Hornets, he appeared in 68 games, making 14 starts and averaging 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per contest. His efficiency was nothing short of elite—he shot 47.8 percent from the field and a blistering 45.6 percent from beyond the arc. In an NBA landscape where spacing and perimeter shooting are at a premium, Curry’s skill set could provide the Knicks with a much-needed boost off the bench, without demanding a hefty contract or a starring role.
But Curry isn’t the only name on the Knicks’ radar. Malik Beasley, a 28-year-old scorer out of Florida State, has also been linked to New York. Beasley’s offseason has been a whirlwind: initially expected to re-sign with the Detroit Pistons, his plans were derailed when he became entangled in a federal sports gambling investigation. Ultimately, Beasley was cleared of any wrongdoing, but the Pistons had already moved on, signing Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson instead. Now, Beasley finds himself searching for a new NBA home, and the Knicks—looking for reliable scoring off the bench—could be an ideal fit.
Landry Shamet is another familiar face who could make his way back to Madison Square Garden. Shamet joined the Knicks around this time last year but suffered a preseason shoulder injury, leading to his release before the regular season. However, he returned to the roster in late December and went on to average 5.7 points per game in 50 appearances. Reports indicate that the Knicks and Shamet have been in contact throughout the offseason, keeping the door open for a possible reunion. Given his familiarity with the team’s culture and his ability to knock down shots, Shamet could provide valuable depth as the Knicks gear up for another playoff push.
Perhaps the most polarizing potential addition is Ben Simmons. Once considered one of the league’s brightest young stars, Simmons has seen his career derailed by a series of injuries and questions about his effectiveness on the court. Despite these concerns, the Knicks have reportedly been linked to Simmons for several weeks, and many see New York as the frontrunner to sign him. The logic is straightforward: Simmons would be a low-risk, high-reward signing on a veteran’s minimum deal, offering the Knicks a long, athletic defender who could bolster the team’s depth without disrupting the established rotation. If Simmons can regain even a fraction of his former All-Star form, he could prove to be a game-changer for a squad with championship aspirations.
All these moves and rumors come against the backdrop of a Knicks organization determined to build on last season’s momentum. The decision to part ways with Thibodeau, despite his success, underscores the franchise’s commitment to evolving and adapting in pursuit of an NBA title. Mike Brown’s arrival signals a new era—one in which the Knicks will look to leverage their full roster, embrace modern offensive principles, and maintain the defensive tenacity that has become their trademark.
As training camp approaches, the Knicks’ roster remains a work in progress. The additions of Clarkson and Yabusele have already injected fresh energy into the squad, while the possibility of bringing in a proven shooter like Curry, a dynamic scorer like Beasley, a returning contributor like Shamet, or a defensive wild card like Simmons keeps fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats. There’s no question that elite three-point shooting is a priority for the Knicks’ front office—"It doesn't get much better than Curry," Edwards noted—and the next signing could be the missing piece that takes New York from contender to legitimate championship threat.
For now, the Knicks’ faithful are left to speculate and dream about what the 2025-26 season might hold. Will Mike Brown’s new philosophy unlock the team’s full potential? Will a late free agency addition provide the spark needed to push the Knicks over the top? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the New York Knicks are not standing still, and the rest of the NBA is watching closely as the offseason drama continues to unfold.
