The New York Knicks were one of the surprise packets of the 2020-21 NBA season. They became a defensive-oriented team under Tom Thibodeau and managed to finish in the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. They lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks but they got the experience of getting there.
This also makes New York a destination that star players might want to go to again. They have a team that is successful but needs to have at least another star in order to get to the next level. The Knicks have only $54 million in committed salary so are in a tremendous position to make some great moves this offseason.
The Knicks built this team last season where they signed Nerlens Noel after the Thunder decided to blow up their roster. This was especially important to the Knicks as starting center Mitchell Robinson went down with injury having only played 31 games for the season.
The New York Knicks were the most surprising teams in the NBA last season. Here are five roster moves they need to make this coming offseason.
The Knicks traded Dennis Smith Jr. and a 2021 second-round pick to the Detroit Pistons, receiving Derrick Rose in return. Rose was incredible, coming off the bench for the majority of his time with the Knicks. He shone in their playoff series, keeping his team in the series when those around him were not performing well.
The other move the Knicks made was to trade Ignas Brazdekis and Austin Rivers. They received Terrance Ferguson, Vincent Poirier, Emir Preldzic, a 2021 second-round draft pick, and a 2024 second-round pick. The Knicks then waived Poirier and Ferguson three days later.
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at the five roster moves they need to make.