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New York Knicks
Aug 29, 2025 2:01 PM EDT
The New York Knicks will enter the 2025-26 season with high expectations as they are projected to be one of the teams to beat in the weakened Eastern Conference.
New York is coming off an impressive season last year that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
They will once again enter the new season with their core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart and they also made some notable additions this offseason.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) runs up court after a basket against the Indiana Pacers during the first half during game five of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) — Source: © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
In free agency, the Knicks were able to upgrade their bench by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele and they still have one more open roster spot to fill which they are expected to use to add another veteran to their second unit.
With these moves, the Knicks are expected to be one of the top teams in the East this season and they could also elect to make more moves heading into the regular season.
Knicks predicted to swap Hart for Rockets’ Tari Eason
With this in mind, Sports Illustrated’s Dave Holcomb recently released a mock trade that has the Knicks sending Hart to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Tari Eason.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3).
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3). — Source: © Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Of course, Hart has been a key player for New York during his three seasons with the franchise due to his hustle on both ends of the court and his leadership abilities.
Despite this, swapping him for a much younger player in Eason could benefit the Knicks, especially with Eason continuing to develop.
Last season, the 24-year-old forward averaged 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 48.7% from the field and 34.2% from three.
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason — Source: © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
These were all career-highs outside of his three-point shooting percentage as he saw an increase in minutes last season in Houston.
Despite this, Eason could be in line for a smaller workload this season with the addition of Kevin Durant which could provide the Knicks with a prime opportunity to make a trade for him.
Eason is a great scorer, rebounder and defender that could be a solid fit either in their starting lineup or off the bench as a replacement for Hart.
New York Knicks guards Jalen Brunson (11) and Josh Hart (3) — Source: © Kyle Ross–USA TODAY Sports
While that may be the case, New York has shown no interest in moving on from Hart due to his impact on the court for him and also his ties with Brunson that go back to their days at Villanova.
Because of this, it is likely that the Knicks would hold off on this trade and the Rockets would likely also have the same mindset as they have shown no interest in moving Eason after his career-best season.
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Nathaniel Holloway