Running it back is going to be tough, especially with how much the Eastern Conference has changed with Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Miami Heat and Jaylen Brown shockingly heading to Philadelphia. The New York Knicks enter the 2026-27 season as defending NBA champions, but history has shown that repeating is one of the toughest challenges in sports.
While the core that delivered the franchise’s first title in more than 50 years is intact, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart, the front office knows standing still is often the quickest way to fall behind.
New York has already addressed one major concern by signing Andre Drummond following Mitchell Robinson’s departure to Boston. Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet have also returned, meaning the championship core is there.
Still, another championship run will require surviving an 82-game regular season before navigating four grueling playoff rounds. Adding experienced veterans who can strengthen the bench without disrupting chemistry is the Knicks’ top priority.
Unfortunately for Knicks fans hoping for the most ridiculous superteam ever, LeBron James isn’t coming this summer.
With that in mind, here are six players New York should aggressively pursue this offseason.
6. Jordan Clarkson
Expected Contract: 1-Year, $3.5 Million
Jordan Clarkson was huge for the Knicks last season when it came to scoring off the dribble or catching fire from beyond the arc. He averaged 8.6 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, and 0.1 BPG on 45.1% FG, 32.7% 3-PT FG, and 83.0% FT in 72 games.
The Knicks occasionally struggle to generate offense with Brunson on the bench, and Clarkson is always an option for the long regular season. The veteran also has 12 seasons in the league, so he knows his role better than most.
If Clarkson is willing to accept a discounted two-year contract in pursuit of another deep playoff run, he would be a great option to bring back. His regular-season scoring could also help keep Brunson’s minutes under control.
5. Gary Trent Jr.
Expected Contract: 1-Year, $3.5 Million
Three-point shooting wins regular-season games. Gary Trent Jr. gives New York another dependable perimeter scorer capable of stepping into the lineup whenever Landry Shamet or Miles McBride goes through their shooting slumps.
He’s comfortable playing without the basketball and consistently spaces the floor. Trent Jr posted 8.1 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, and 0.0 BPG on 38.7% FG and 36.0% 3-PT FG last season in 65 games with 21 starts. Not his best season, but we know what the sharpshooter can do in the right situation.
Trent wouldn’t need a major role to impact winning. His ability to provide instant shooting and solid perimeter defense makes him exactly what the Knicks need for the tiring regular season.
4. Gary Payton II
Expected Contract: 2-Year, $7 Million
Defense travels, and Gary Payton II is one of basketball’s best perimeter defenders. He also brings championship experience to an already elite defensive team. Remember, Payton II is a 2022 NBA champion.
His relentless energy fits Mike Brown’s identity perfectly. The two-way guard and swingman averaged 7.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, and 0.3 BPG on 58.3% FG, 29.1% 3-PT FG, and 65.0% FT in 73 games in 2025-26.
Payton has repeatedly shown he loves playing meaningful basketball. Joining the defending champions would allow him to compete for another title while giving New York a defensive specialist capable of changing games without needing touches.
3. Kevon Looney
Expected Contract: 1-Year, $3.5 Million
Championship teams can never have too much frontcourt depth, and while Andre Drummond was a solid pickup, Kevon Looney offers playoff experience and outstanding positional awareness.
Few centers understand their role better than Looney, and he proved it with the Warriors in their 2022 championship season. The big man isn’t in his prime anymore, but he averaged 2.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, and 0.5 BPG in 21 games last season.
Looney isn’t flashy, but he consistently helps winning teams. His rebounding, screening, and interior defense would provide valuable insurance behind Karl-Anthony Towns while ensuring the Knicks never lack size during the regular season.
2. Jonas Valanciunas
Expected Contract: 2-Year, $7 Million
Jonas Valanciunas could be one of the Knicks’ most impactful additions, as he was for the Nuggets last season. The backup big averaged 8.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.2 SPG, and 0.6 BPG on 58.2% FG, 30.8% 3-PT FG, and 77.2% FT in 65 games.
Even after signing Andre Drummond, New York still lacks another proven starting-caliber center behind Karl-Anthony Towns. Valanciunas is a luxury few contenders can match, which is why he is on the radar of other talented teams.
There’s a legitimate argument that Valanciunas would immediately move ahead of Drummond on the depth chart. His offensive skill set gives the Knicks another dimension while providing valuable insurance if Towns misses time.
Having three experienced centers would leave New York exceptionally well-equipped for another championship run.
1. DeMar DeRozan
Expected Contract: 1-Year, $3.5 Million
This is the move that could separate New York from the rest of the Eastern Conference. If DeMar DeRozan becomes available after a potential departure from Sacramento, the Knicks should immediately explore the possibility of signing him on a veteran’s minimum contract.
At 36 years old, DeRozan is no longer an All-Star, but he can get a bucket as a sixth man with his eyes closed. Last season, the skilled veteran averaged 18.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.3 BPG on 49.7% FG, 32.0% 3-PT FG, and 86.8% FT in 77 games (77 starts).
Unlike previous stops, he’d never be asked to shoulder the offensive burden. Instead, he just has to be a shot creator whenever Brunson rests. That is a scary thought for the rest of the league.
If winning another championship becomes DeRozan’s top priority, New York may offer his best opportunity. Joining the defending champions would allow him to compete for the elusive title that’s missing from his resume. But is he willing to accept a veteran’s minimum deal for a huge playoff opportunity?
