The New York Knicks had a surprisingly good year, finishing 47-35 across the regular season and advancing to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
The Knicks’ season may have ended in disappointment, falling to the Miami Heat in six games, but the year as a whole has given the franchise something substantial to build on. Here’s a look at how New York can improve this summer following a successful season.
New York Knicks’ upcoming free agents
• Derrick Rose (has a team option for next season) • Josh Hart (has a player option for next season) • Miles McBride (has a team option for next season) • Trevor Keels (restricted free agent) • Duane Washington Jr. (restricted free agent)
Hart will most likely be returning to the Knicks this summer after a successful tenure with the team, but the question is how. Hart could decline his $13 million player option and sign a new contract with New York, or he could accept the option and the two sides could agree to an extension off of that. The Knicks’ preference would probably be to sign an extension with Hart, allowing them to pay Hart less money next season and secure him on a five-year deal.
Rose’s team option will likely be declined as he’s fallen out of New York’s rotation. However, Rose and the Knicks may agree on a veteran minimum deal if Rose is content with not being a regular rotation member. McBride will most likely be returning on his $1.8 million team option, while Keels and Washington Jr. could also be brought back on two-way deals.