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New York Knicks
Aug 31, 2025 5:25 PM EDT
The New York Knicks have made multiple additions to their roster this offseason as they try to build off their trip to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
For the Knicks, they are set to enter the 2025-26 season as one of the favorites to win the East due to their core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart.
New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns with Jalen Brunson in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
New York Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns with Jalen Brunson — Source: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Of course, New York’s biggest struggle last season was their bench and that is what they focused on upgrading this offseason as they signed Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
The Knicks also have one more open roster spot that they are expected to use to sign another veteran player to bolster their second unit.
While the Knicks are looking to a player to fill their final roster spot, they may also search the trade market to land another impact player to come off the bench.
Knicks predicted to trade Miles McBride to Kings for Keon Ellis
With this in mind, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently released a mock trade that has the Knicks sending Miles McBride to the Sacramento Kings for a young guard to upgrade their backcourt depth.
In the trade, the Knicks would send McBride and a top-eight protected 2026 first-round pick to the Kings in exchange for Keon Ellis.
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) looks to pass the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci (27) — Source: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Of course, McBride is a fan favorite player for the Knicks and he has been a key reserve for them over his four seasons in the NBA.
Despite this, his playing time may be cut this season if New York signs a veteran point guard to come off the bench to fill their final roster spot.
Because of this, McBride has entered trade rumors and if the Knicks could swap him for Ellis, it would be a massive boost to their bench, especially defensively.
Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) — Source: John Hefti-Imagn Images
For Ellis, he is a great defender who also improved mightily on the offensive side last season and would give New York a much-needed elite wing defender in their second unit.
Last season, the 25-year-old guard averaged 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field and 43.3% from three.
Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) — Source: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
While adding Ellis to their bench could work out well for the Knicks, the Kings have shown no interest in moving him as they view him as a key young piece of their future.
Because of this, Sacramento would likely turn down this offer, though McBride would give them a much-needed backup point guard and they would add another first-round pick.
About the Author
Nathaniel Holloway