New York Knicks buyout market targets candidates, Chris Boucher buyout market, Knicks open roster spot, Knicks cap space, Towns, Brunson, Hart, Anunoby, Bridges, Robinson, Knicks news, New York Knicks, head coach Mike Brown, Knicks Guerschon Yabusele trade, Knicks Jose Alvarado trade
Getty
The New York Knicks have an open roster spot, and are expected to target a few names on the buyout market, including a two-time champion.
The New York Knicks have run the gambit of emotions through the first few months of the 2025-26 NBA season, and while they did make two moves at the trade deadline to improve their playoff chances, they have an open roster spot thatcould be used to target a player on the buyout market that could be a difference-maker in the final stretch of the regular season.
The Knicks dealt Guerschon Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls and made asubsequent trade toaddJose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans. While that move hasbeen praised, New York reportedlyisn’t doneworking on their roster.
According to James L. Edwards of The Athletic, the Knicks have a few names on the buyout market theyare expected to target to fill their lone remaining open roster spot.
James L. Edwards III
Knicks are able to jump into the buyout market whenever they want after shedding salary at the deadline (probably best to wait until March 1 to see who all gets bought out.)
Looked at some name who might make sense:
“The addition of Alvarado was the answer to NewYork’s concern about backup ballhandling this season. It still, though, has a hole in the front court,”Edwards wrote on theteam’s needs. “Given MitchellRobinson’s injury history, it may behoove theKnicks’ decision-makers to add another veteran center as insurance behind Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns.”
Shortly before the All-Star Break, the Knicks are 34-19 and second in the East, but have several players they could bring in as buyout candidates tosure-up ateam that has seen perhaps the highest highs this season,and the lowest lows.
Knicks Top Buyout Market Targets To Fill Open Roster Spot
Firstly, Cam Thomas was one of the biggest names previously available, as hewas waived from the Brooklyn Nets after the trade deadline. However, while his scoring could have been a solid addition in New York, he signed a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, as they hope to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy.
Instead, Edwards listed some of the top players the Knicksare expected to target in the buyout market, the first of which was Chris Boucher, formerly of the Boston Celtics.
“Boucherisn’t perfect.He’s 6-foot-8 and weighs 200 pounds soaking wet.He’s not a physical presence by any means, but he can hit an open 3 and blocks shots,”Edwards wrote. “Would he want to come to New York and only play in garbage time or if an injury happens?”
He added that Boucher would be an upgrade from Ariel Hukporti, as he has championship experience and could likely be better suited to play if Towns or Robinson are injured. He won a title with the Golden State Warriors in 2018, and again with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 with OG Anunoby, an experience the Knicks could surely use at this point in thefranchise’s history.
In a similarsense, Marvin Bagley was another namethrown out. He’s gotten limited run over the past few years, but could be a dynamic lob threat for Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart on the offensive side of the ball.
“Bagley would be an overqualified third center for the Knicks. He can score with his back to the basket and is a good lob threat. Bagleyisn’t a good defender, but he can block shots on occasion.”
Drew Eubanks and Mason Plumlee were the other two centers Edwards listed as targets for the Knicks. Neither would likelybe asked to play a big role, but they both have valuable experience. Haywood Highsmith, Kelly Olynyk, Xavier Tillman, and Jeremy Sochan were the other names mentioned.
As seen, New York could use frontcourt depth, because after giving up Yabusele and adding Alvarado, Towns and Robinson are the only two true big men head coach Mike Brown has to use.
Guerschon Yabusele Talks Knicks Trade
Yabusele never got to show his full potential with New York after signing with the team over the offseason, but now in Chicago,he’s put together some strong performances.
There was an expectation that he wouldbe moved at the trade deadline, and while rumors are hard to confirm, the fact that the Knicks did eventually cut ties with the French big man shows he was never a solid fit in New York.
Most recently, Yabusele gave an interview with Ian Begley of SNY,talking about how he had to amend his contract with the teamfor the trade tobe able to go through.
“We can always see the side of the money and talk about it, but at the end of the day the passion is more than just the money.It’s being out there, missing the feeling of being out there, offense, defense. Just competing at a high level becauseI’m a competitor first,”Yabusele said.
He added that, after not getting a ton of playing time with the Knicks, Yabusele thought a fresh start would be good for both sides.He is still hoping toland another contract to obtain medical coverage for his family, but for now, he isputting together a strong tryout for a new deal with the Bulls.