The New York Knicks should prioritize improving their depth for next season, by further developing their young prospects and exploring offseason trades, with Mitchell Robinson emerging as the most likely candidate to be moved.
The New York Knicks are heading into a challenging offseason following their elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they fell 2–4 to the Indiana Pacers.
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Tyrese Haliburton
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Tyrese Haliburton
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Significant roster changes appear unlikely, as 93% of the team's payroll is tied up in their five starters and Mitchell Robinson — who, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, is the most likely player to be moved.
Marks noted that the Knicks will need to weigh the value of Robinson's trade-friendly contract against his on-court impact.
Robinson is coming off a strong postseason in which he averaged 12.6 rebounds per 36 minutes. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason unless an extension is reached beforehand.
While acquiring a game-changing addition to the roster seems improbable, Robinson's relatively modest $13 million salary for next season makes retaining him a potentially more reliable option.
Unless the Knicks are willing to include one of their starters in a trade package along with their only tradable first-round pick in the next seven years: a 2026 top-8-protected pick from the Washington Wizards.
Looking ahead, the Knicks are also expected to prioritize the development of their young prospects. Last year’s draft picks, Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek, could see expanded roles and become more meaningful contributors in the rotation.
Another major focus for the front office will be negotiating a contract extension for Mikal Bridges, who is eligible for a deal worth up to four years and $156.1 million.
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