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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 13: Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against Jarace Walker #5 of the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 13, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks are one of the teams that have a shot to win a championship this year. Right now, they sit third in the Eastern Conference standings. They came into the season as one of the favorites to win the East. Only Detroit and Boston are ahead of them.
Last year, the Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. After that, they didn’t do much in the offseason to change the roster. In fact, they pretty much ran it back with the core roster that they had a year ago. New York is clearly going for it this year.
If they are not able to win a title this year, Bleacher Report has New York making a massive lineup change in the summer.
Knicks Could Have Dream Target for Another Team
Bleacher Report has the Pelicans pursuing OG Anunoby as their top offseason trade target. Here is the full trade scenario:
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F OG Anunoby
New York Knicks Receive: PF Zion Williamson
Adding Williamson to the current roster would be a massive gamble for New York. Williamson has an extensive injury history. His stats are down across the board from a year ago, as well. In fact, his scoring and rebounding are the worst of his career.
Anunoby is also someone who is injured quite a bit, but not to the extent of Williamson. He has been much healthier over the last couple of years. It’s highly unlikely that the Knicks would consider this move, especially with how Williamson would fit with the rest of the roster.
The Knicks are dangerously close to the second apron of the luxury tax, so they have to make sure any offseason moves don’t push them over the edge. New York plays better when they have guys in the starting lineup who can all shoot from beyond the 3-point line.
New York Could Have Tough Offseason Decisions to Make
If New York doesn’t win the championship this year, they could have some tough choices to make. The Knicks are already a very expensive team. If they are not able to win it all this year, management might decide to make some drastic changes.
New York has the third-best offense in the league. Adding Williamson would theoretically help with that, but it would make the defense much worse. They also sit sixth in defense in the NBA. It would be hard for them to thread that needle in the offseason.
This year is the best chance that the Knicks have had to win a title in over 25 years. It hurts their chances that Jayson Tatum has now returned for Boston, but New York has played well with the current roster all season long. This is the year that gives them the best chance at a title.
This summer could see the Knicks pursue some trades if they aren’t champions, as they won’t have enough money to add any relevant free agents to help them win in the future.