The New York Knicks have many key decisions to make this offseason as they try to upgrade their roster and take advantage of a weakened Eastern Conference next season.
Of course, the Knicks are coming off finishing third in the East last season while making their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000.
Despite this, New York made the shocking decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau to begin the offseason and they are the only team in the NBA still searching for a new head coach.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward OG Anunoby (8), and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32)
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward OG Anunoby (8), and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32)
© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
While finding a new head coach is the Knicks’ top priority this summer, they will also look to upgrade their roster via trades and free agency to make a run at a championship next season.
New York has been linked to many players thus far but they have recently emerged as a potential landing spot for Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers are expected to show interest in Richards this offseason.
“Richards has a $5 million non-guaranteed salary for the 2025-26 season expected to be guaranteed by the Suns, which will give the team the ability to trade him. Richards has drawn trade interest from several teams, including the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.
Of course, the Suns could look to move Richards this offseason after drafting Duke center Khaman Maluach 10th overall and also making a trade with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams on draft night.
Due to this, the Knicks have emerged as a potential landing spot for Richards as they look to upgrade their frontcourt around Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) dunks in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) dunks in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
David Richard-Imagn Images
Richards is coming off a solid season where he averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and he would be a massive help to the Knicks off the bench, especially if they decide to move on from Robinson.
Despite this, New York may look at better options to upgrade their frontcourt before inquiring about Richards and Phoenix may also elect to keep the 27-year-old big man on their roster.