New York soared to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1999, only to come up short against Indiana in six hard-fought games. Despite elite performance from their Big Four of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, they fell short, and that led to the firing of Tom Thibodeau.
New head coach Mike Brown and the front office acknowledge the margin for error in a title run is minimal, making depth and late-game insurance the offseason’s undisputed priorities.
Financial constraints loom large: the Knicks are operating over the first apron, limiting flexibility and steering roster moves toward financially efficient avenues. That has opened the door to bargain trades involving movable contracts like Mitchell Robinson, as well as targeted pursuits in the buyout market for high-impact veterans.
Key opportunities have emerged: mid-level or minimum-salary pickups like Ben Simmons and Landry Shamet could provide valuable rotational polish, while trade targets such as Sam Hauser, Cole Anthony, and defensive stalwarts, especially former DPOY candidates, would bolster shooting, playmaking, and rim protection without requiring blockbuster commitments
1. Ben Simmons
Free Agency after Buyout
Ben Simmons emerges as a polarizing yet intriguing fit for the Knicks when viewing the final roster spot through the lens of Mike Brown’s vision. Sources confirm New York has maintained dialogue with the 28-year-old on a veteran-minimum basis, despite their taxpayer apron limit, centering on his defensive versatility and secondary playmaking skills.
As a 6’10” guard/forward with multiple All-Defensive Team nods early in his career, Simmons would provide the Knicks with a multi-positional defensive anchor, valuable relief for Brunson and Towns late in games. Offensively, Brown wouldn’t lean on Simmons to shoot; instead, he fits as an off-ball catalyst in transition, a secondary ball‑handler, and defensive retainer, precisely the role he showed flashes of with the Clippers last season.
In a pinch, he can guard 1-4, protect the rim, and rebound, giving Brown flexibility to mix lineups without sacrificing defense or court vision late in games.
2. Sam Hauser
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Sam Hauser
Boston Celtics Receive: Mitchell Robinson, 2032 second-round pick (NYK)
Sam Hauser offers the Knicks much-needed spacing and shooting prowess off the bench in a trade scenario that Boston is reportedly exploring to shed salary. A career 42.0% three-point shooter, Hauser would allow Brunson, Towns, Bridges, and Anunoby more room to operate and could immediately mitigate the lack of perimeter shooting that hindered New York in clutch situations.
On defense, Hauser may not be a stopper, but Brown’s system emphasizes smart rotations and energy, areas where Hauser has improved during his Celtics tenure. His off-ball movement and conditioning would keep the second unit humming, while his contract (around $10M) makes him an affordable plug-and-play candidate to bolster both spacing and weekend rotations without compromising core cohesion.
3. Marcus Smart
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Marcus Smart
Washington Wizards Receive: Mitchell Robinson, Tyler Kolek
Marcus Smart brings championship toughness and defensive DNA, making him exactly the kind of glue veteran Mike Brown values highly. New York is preparing a package centered on Mitchell Robinson and Tyler Kolek to acquire Smart from Washington.
His dogged perimeter defense, basketball IQ, and willingness to sacrifice for winning align perfectly with the physicality already embodied by Brunson, Towns, Bridges, and Anunoby. Offensively, Smart isn’t a pure shooter (only 34.8% from three last season), but his gritty passing, timely off-ball cuts, and knack for getting to the rim would revitalize the bench offense, especially if paired with a left-side companion like Jordan Clarkson.
4. Keon Ellis
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Keon Ellis
Sacramento Kings Receive: Pacome Dadiet, Ariel Hukporti, 2032 second-round pick (NYK)
At just 25, Keon Ellis offers an appealing youth infusion and 3-and-D balance (8.3 PPG on 43.3% 3-PT FG) in a Sam Hauser-type trade scenario with Sacramento. His elite defensive metrics and swift improvement on offense could bring fresh athleticism and switching versatility to Brown’s rotational structure, especially in high-stakes playoff moments.
His youth and contract flexibility provide distinct upside relative to pricier free agents. Offensively, Ellis may still need seasoning, but Brown’s system is ideal for developing catch-and-shoot and cutter roles.
With Towns as the roll-man, Ellis could spot-up or cut, building confidence while offering reliable spacing, bridging the gap between the core and veteran contributors.
5. Cody Martin
Free Agency
Cody Martin remains unsigned, but fills a niche as a 3-and-D swingman (6.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG) who could anchor the wing when the vets rest. Under Brown, Martin’s length, effort defense, and above-average catch-and-shoot mechanics would slot seamlessly into the second unit, providing floor spacing for secondary ball-handlers and anchoring defensive rotations. At vet minimum, he’s an ideal depth filler.
In the context of finishing touches, bringing in Martin bets on culture fit over ceiling upside. His relentless communication and work ethic fit a Brown system that prizes accountability, veteran presence, and the ability to execute mid-series adjustments, making him a quietly valuable insurance policy.
6. Royce O’Neale
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Royce O’Neale
Phoenix Suns Receive: Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, 2032 second-round pick (NYK)
Royce O’Neale adds another proven 3-and-D forward in a trade with Phoenix involving Kolek, Dadiet, and a future pick. His championship experience and sturdy perimeter defense afford Brown a trusted veteran wing, a role O’Neale has performed in playoff settings with the Brooklyn Nets.
Offensively efficient (40.6% from three last year) and team-first minded, O’Neale complements the offensive juggernaut of Brunson and Towns, spacing the floor and moving without the ball. His intelligence and positional versatility would allow Brown to deploy balanced 4-deep lineups rich in shooters, capable of weathering injuries or foul trouble, solidifying the Knicks’ push from ECF contender to Finals threat.
