The New York Knicks have a star-studded defensive group surrounding their superstar scoring tandem of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, but one more game-changing addition might take their roster over the top in 2025-26.
During a recent mailbag episode on The Volume's Hoops Tonight show*,* host Jason Timpf notably mentioned the Knicks as a fantastic fit for the Miami Heat's 3-time All-Star center, Bam Adebayo.
While this hypothetical transaction would certainly be one to contemplate for New York's front office, the road to getting a deal across the finish line might be diffucult.
"I think if (Adebayo) kind of filled into that Isaiah Hartenstein role that he was in two years ago, I think he'd do a wonderful job of that," Timpf stated Friday morning.
"Running those actions with Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson out top, the back-door cutting that's available in that offense with really smart offensive players that he's surrounded by."
"Having all of that offensive firepower around him to, kind of, bolster him in that way so that's not needed, but also giving them a legitimate defensive anchor to make them a viable playoff defense."
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
"I think Bam would be a fantastic fit with the Knicks."
Adebayo's potential basketball fit with New York is undeniable, but the franchise' contractual obligations could muddy discussions regarding a trade with Miami. Even still, a deal is possible.
If the Heat were to conduct talks with the Knicks on a blockbuster Adebayo move, New York would be able to ship out a package consisting of two-way wing Josh Hart, center Mitchell Robinson, and a pair of interesting incoming sophomores Pacôme Dadiet and Tyler Kolek along with draft capital.
Sure, it's a long shot, but the possibility of pairing Towns and Adebayo to create one of the most dominant and versatile frontcourt pairings in the league could interest a team desperate to take the next step and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
In 78 appearances for the Heat in 2024-25, the 28-year-old big man contributed 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks while compiling a 56.1% true shooting percentage.
More NBA: Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga reportedly wants more than just money