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Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A pair of NBA rumors gives the New York Knicks two intriguing center targets to bolster their front court before the 2026-27 season officially begins on Tuesday.
While the Knicks organization spent the summer celebrating their first championship in 53 years, the front office was busy. They made sure to keep their bench unit strong by agreeing to new contracts with Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Jordan Clarkson. However, while they will return with almost their entire title team from 2025-26, they did suffer one major loss.
With owner James Dolan not wanting to go over the second luxury tax apron, fan-favorite center Mitchell Robinson received a better offer from rivals the Boston Celtics and departed in free agency. In an effort to replace his valuable skill set, the Knicks are looking to fill the void with two players.
One of the most notable is two-time All-Star Andre Drummond, whom they signed in free agency. During the preseason, the team has had an open battle for the other spot between James Wiseman, Tony Bradley, and Drew Eubanks. The latter two have already been released, which makes it seem like Wiseman will win the third center spot.
Should New York Knicks target former lottery pick Tidjane Salaun?
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Oct 11, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) warms up against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
However, late on Thursday night, a pair of options on other teams emerged if the Knicks aren’t sold on the former Golden State Warriors player. According to Jake Fischer, with the Charlotte Hornets looking to cut their roster down before opening night, 2024 sixth overall pick Tidjane Salaun could soon be released.
Obviously, being cut two years after being a lottery pick is not a good look. However, the NBA insider notes, “The 6-foot-10 forward is just 21, and I’ve heard from more than a few folks that the first draft pick of the Jeff Peterson Era in Charlotte has taken some real strides this summer.”
Salaun has lost value in Charlotte because he projects to be a role player in the NBA, not a future star. However, the Knicks don’t need that. So the French prospect could be a great buy-low option with high upside because he is still so young and has improved.
A Jericho Sims-NY Knicks reunion might be possible this week
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Oct 11, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims (00) dribbles the ball during the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Along with Saluan, Fischer revealed another player who could soon be available, and he will be familiar to New York fans. The insider reports the Milwaukee Bucks are open to moving Jericho Sims, and they have had talks with the Los Angeles Lakers about a swap for Dalton Knecht. But he added, “I’ve also heard some pessimism from sources briefed on those talks that such a trade will actually go through.”
With rumors swirling that the Knicks have been looking to move Pacome Dadiet, maybe Milwaukee would be open to a swap of the former first-round pick for the player New York selected in Round 2 of the 2021 NBA Draft. As a third center option, Sims would be a good addition because of his athleticism and motor.