The New York Knicks are having quite the summer after trading for star Mikal Bridges, re-signing OG Anunoby, and re-signing Jalen Brunson to a well-below-market deal. Those three moves would be enough for most Knicks fans but they aren't done making moves.
They just signed veteran point guard Cam Payne to a minimum contract to add depth at point guard after he played well against them as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. There was also word that Bridges was set to follow in Brunson's footsteps by taking far less than market value on an extension once he becomes available in early October.
That would be great for the Knicks, who'd be able to lock up two of their best players on the cheap, presumably for the next three seasons. It would also possibly set the table for all-star power forward Julius Randle to do the same.
The new-look New York Knicks latest moves should help them compete this season and going forward.
With a rotation consisting of Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Randle, and Mitchell Robinson starting and the likes of Deuce McBride, Payne, Done DiVicenzo, and Josh Hart coming off the bench, the Knicks won't have many holes.
While they are in the market for a sharpshooter, they could also look to trade for a backup center with a defensive-minded big man reportedly in mind. Given how effective the Knicks front office has been this summer, they shouldn't have any problem finding a fill-in at the five since centers are often the easiest players to find in free agency.
With a terrific starting lineup, depth, and the Knicks safely under the second apron, they should be able to give the Boston Celtics a run for their money and possibly make it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. Considering how poorly run they have been for most of that span, this dramatic turnaround is all the more impressive and could result in the Knicks winning their first championship since 1973.