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New York Knicks
Aug 4, 2025 10:18 PM EDT
The New York Knicks are coming off one their best seasons in recent memory as they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
Despite this, New York began their offseason by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau and after about a month of interviews with multiple candidates, they hired two-time Coach of the Year Mike Brown as his replacement.
Of course, the Knicks also kept their core of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns together and they also made some notable additions to their bench during free agency.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during their game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Dec. 28, 2024.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during their game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Dec. 28, 2024. — Source: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
In free agency, the Knicks signed Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele to cheap contracts as they were able to upgrade their bench, which was a struggle for them last season.
They also signed Bridges to a four-year extension after pulling off a massive trade with the Brooklyn Nets for him last summer.
With these moves, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton gave the Knicks a B offseason grade.
“After adding Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns last offseason, the Knicks had limited room to maneuver this summer. Getting Guerschon Yabusele to take ever so slightly less than the entirety of their taxpayer midlevel exception allowed New York to upgrade its second-unit frontcourt and still fill out its bench with veterans minimum contracts. One of those veterans, Jordan Clarkson, gives the Knicks more athleticism off the bench than unsigned backup guards Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet,” Pelton wrote.
Pelton pointed out the additions of Clarkson and Yabusele in free agency, two players who will play a large role off the bench for New York next season.
Jordan Clarkson Tre Jones
Feb 25, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) holds the ball away from San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. — Source: © Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
The Knicks also have one more roster space open and they have been linked to many different players, including former first overall pick Ben Simmons.
It is clear that the Knicks are going to look for another veteran to come off the bench to fill their final roster spot as they try to make another deep playoff run next season in a weakened Eastern Conference.
About the Author
Nathaniel Holloway