This has been a productive offseason for the defending champion New York Knicks. While they entered the summer with several key free agents, rotation standouts Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, and Jordan Clarkson inked new deals for next season.
However, they did take a big hit to the roster when division rival the Boston Celtics signed impactful backup center Mitchell Robinson to a multi-year deal. To help fill the massive rebounding and defensive void, the team signed two-time All-Star Andre Drummond. While he is a solid addition, reports suggest they want to add more depth to their frontcourt and still have some roster spots open to do so.
With that in mind, let’s look at seven bigs the Knicks could target in a trade or free agency soon.
Nick Richards
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Mar 19, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nick Richards (13) gestures after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Knicks have been linked to New York native Nick Richards over the last few seasons. However, a trade never materialized. But this summer he is a free agent, and the six-time All-Star is still available.
When given solid minutes, the 28-year-old can be a consistent 10 points and 10 rebounds-a-night player. Although he had a bit of a down year last season, playing for a title contender back home could motivate him to have a career year next season.
Bismack Biyombo
NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs7
May 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Bismack Biyombo (18) celebrates after game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
At this point in the offseason, it is unlikely the Knicks will be able to land a major impact player on the free agent market. Adding depth and a player that can be a plus in the locker room might be the goal. That is why former lottery pick Bismack Biyombo will probably be on New York’s wish list.
As a third center, he is a rock-solid rebounder and rim protector who can contribute if thrust into more minutes because of injury.
Goga Bitadze
NBA: Orlando Magic at Dallas Mavericks7
Apr 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) passes the ball during the game between the Mavericks and the Magic at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Knicks have reportedly been looking at the trade market to add frontcourt depth and likely are dangling Miles McBride in trade conversations. The Orlando Magic could benefit from a player like “Deuce” and have an expendable big man in Goga Bitadze.
The 27-year-old native of Georgia is a good offensive rebounder and rim protector who posted nearly a block and half a night in 20 minutes during the 2024-25 season.
Kevin Love
NBA: Utah Jazz at Phoenix Suns7
Mar 28, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (left) with Lauri Markkanen against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Although he doesn’t bring much on defense, a player who could do a lot to fill the rebounding void left by Robinson is five-time All-Star Kevin Love.
In an era of small ball, he can still make an impact off the bench, and unlike Robinson, he offers the ability to stretch the floor from the four or five spot. Love shot 37% from behind the arc last season.
Nicolas Batum
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Milwaukee Bucks7
Mar 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; LA Clippers guard/forward Nicolas Batum (33) shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Although he isn’t a traditional big man, in the small-ball era, 18-year veteran Nicolas Batum can be a productive power forward.
The Frenchman brings solid versatility on both sides of the ball and could be a great option to get OG Anunoby more rest. Furthermore, Batum does something the Knicks love by being a frontcourt three-point threat. He shot 40% from three this season.
Jalen Smith
NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls7
Mar 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (25) greets fans after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
An under-the-radar trade option for the Knicks should be Chicago Bulls big man Jalen Smith. The six-year veteran had one of his best seasons in 2025-26 as he averaged 10 points, seven rebounds, and a block a game in 20 minutes.
If Chicago has interest in McBride, the 26-year-old Smith has the talent to take the backup center role away from Drummond.
Isaiah Jackson
NBA: Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Clippers7
Mar 25, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Isaiah Jackson (23) dunks for the basket against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Another under-the-radar player the Knicks could target is Los Angeles Clippers backup center Isaiah Jackson. The former first-round pick isn’t a game-changer, but he is a rock-solid center off the bench who excels in offensive rebounding and shot blocking.