The New York Knicks’ season ended at the hands of Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, largely due to numerous injuries.
The Knicks found their franchise star in Jalen Brunson and complements in Julius Randle and OG Anunoby — not to mention the chemistry between former Villanova Wildcats teammates Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. Despite the positive progression, are the Knicks a legitimate contender as currently constructed or are they still one piece away from challenging for a title?
Let’s look at three potential offseason acquisitions for New York.
MIKAL BRIDGES
The Wildcats connection cannot be completed until Bridges joins his former teammates in the Big Apple. Bridges performed at an All-Star level with the Brooklyn Nets in 2023, but his first full season with the team left much to be desired.
He averaged 19.6 points and 4.5 rebounds on 43.6% shooting from the field and 37.2% shooting from 3-point range last season. His lockdown defense would make him a perfect fit in New York, placing the Knicks among the NBA’s top defensive teams alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Bridges is the perfect solution to New York’s injury problems, as he’s played in all 82 games in three consecutive seasons. A package centered around Bojan Bogdanovic, Miles McBride, and a significant amount of draft capital could be enough to acquire the 27-year-old forward.
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PAUL GEORGE
Could the Los Angeles Clippers star shift from one big-market organization to another this summer? The absence of an extension with the Clippers likely means George intends to explore his options in free agency.
In order for the Knicks to acquire the 34-year-old, they would have to figure out a sign-and-trade with the Clippers (and George would have to agree to the deal). Sending out Julius Randle, Bogdanovic, and a few draft picks might get the job done, putting the Knicks in win-now mode.
George averaged 22.6 points and 5.2 rebounds on 47.1% shooting from the field in 74 games last season. George joining Brunson and Anunoby would turn the Knicks into a serious threat in the East, potentially giving them enough get over the hump and win a title.
YVES MISSI
A less flashy but much-needed addition could come in June’s NBA draft. Big man Isaiah Hartenstein is an unrestricted free agent who may test the market instead of returning, leaving a hole in the Knicks’ frontcourt. While New York will still have Mitchell Robinson, who will be returning from a left-ankle injury, they’d still need another big man behind him (especially with his injury issues).
That’s where Yves Missi comes in. The 7-foot freshman out of Baylor thrives much off his physical traits, which would transfer to the NBA and allow him to make an impact quicker than other prospects.
The Knicks have the No. 24 and 25 picks in the upcoming draft, meaning a safer pick in one of the two spots is understandable. Missi averaged 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds on 61.4% shooting at Baylor.
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