Rival GMs make a bold claim regarding the Knicks' dramatic offseason makeover

After nearly making the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the New York Knicks have hit the ground running this off-season. The Knicks have done an impressive job of upgrading their roster, including trading for Mikal Bridges, re-signing OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa and adding a potential rotation player in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Combine that with their existing core of Jalen Brunson, who had a terrific 2023–24 season, Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson, and the Knicks suddenly look like legit contenders for the first time in years. Don't just take my word for it, however, with ESPN recently conducting a straw poll with 18 NBA GMs (subscription required) who are in agreement that the Knicks had the best summer of any team. 

Compare that to just a few years ago, when the Knicks seemed to not have a plan and appeared to be nowhere near ready to compete. The franchise's 180 is impressive but can it help them win a championship next season?

Can the New York Knicks win a championship next season after winning the summer?

At the moment, the Boston Celtics appear to be the favorites to repeat as champions in 2024–25, though the Knicks should be able to lock up the second seed in the East again. That might not seem like a big deal, but with the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers also in the stacked East, having home court could ensure that they make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

That would at least give them a chance to go toe-to-toe with the Celtics, who are intimidating but not unbeatable, especially with key rotation players such as Al Horford, who is 38 years old and Kristaps Porzingis, who has a long injury history. Age-related regression and an untimely injury for the Celtics and the Knicks peaking at the right time could easily tilt a potential series in their favor. 

As a result, the Knicks are definitely title contenders and they still have the assets needed to get a deal done, including a trade to bolster their front court. Therefore, the Knicks are the clear winners of the summer.