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The Latest News on the New York Knicks

News on the New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are in the midst of an intensive rebuild process – but they’re not alone among their league peers.

New York’s bench has been decimated by injuries, but Precious Achiuwa and Cameron Payne have performed admirably when given their chance.

The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching. Jimmy Butler may remain the center of attention; however, any move involving the Knicks could also cause waves.

In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of News on the New York Knicks.

As of January 30, 2025, the New York Knicks’ roster is as follows:

No.PlayerPosition
00Jacob ToppinForward
1Cameron PayneGuard
2Miles McBrideGuard
3Josh HartGuard/Forward
4Pacome DadietGuard
5Precious AchiuwaForward
8OG AnunobyForward
9Kevin McCullar Jr.Guard
11Jalen BrunsonGuard
13Tyler KolekGuard
20Jericho SimsCenter
23Mitchell RobinsonCenter
25Mikal BridgesGuard/Forward
32Karl-Anthony TownsCenter/Forward
55Ariel HukportiCenter

Trade rumors

With just days until the NBA trade deadline, the Knicks may find themselves under scrutiny during negotiations for teams looking for assets they covet – such as veterans with expiring contracts and promising young players.

The Knicks may pursue the acquisition of a backup center for All-Star and MVP candidate Karl-Anthony Towns, though any deal would likely involve them giving up certain pieces in return. They are also looking to bolster their bench depth which currently consists of only two versatile center/power forward players.

HoopsHype reports that New York has expressed interest in Raptors center Chris Boucher, as his contract expires at the end of this season and he becomes an unrestricted free agent at that point.

Although the Knicks boast an already strong roster, they could use some additional depth at center. One option available to them is Rockets center Clint Capela or Grizzlies forward Jonas Valanciunas who both can fill both roles effectively, providing much-needed depth.

Knicks president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills must first discuss trading Carmelo Anthony, who has a no-trade clause. Two issues could prevent any potential deal:

There are two concerns for the Knicks when considering trading Anthony: 1) finding an adequate return; and 2) free agent concerns related to giving away offensive touches to Towns. However, even with these potential hurdles in their way, they should seek a trade when possible in order to create a strong foundation for future success.

Jalen Brunson’s return

Brunson has been an instrumental component of the Knicks’ success since they lured him away from Dallas last season. His contributions have enabled them to advance back-to-back Eastern Conference semifinals and win playoff series consecutively for the first time since 1992 and 2000 – something they couldn’t afford losing given injuries already plaguing OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, Mikal Bridges and Mitchell Robinson.

Brunson was a game-time decision for Tuesday’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls and went through warmups without issue before entering. He scored 18 points and handed out six assists for New York in its 126-106 win versus an offensively struggling Bulls squad. Brunson was expected to be an impact player against Chicago.

Brunson experienced soreness to his right foot, with Chris Haynes of TNT sideline reporter verifying the news of an injury. Although it was alarming news, Brunson returned for halftime warmups at Madison Square Garden where fans enthusiastically welcomed him onto the court as soon as he took a few steps onto it.

Brunson played well in the first quarter, before being taken out with eight minutes left in the second quarter and welcomed back onto the bench by loud applause from fans in the third. As one of New York Knicks fanbase’s beloved figures, his presence is essential in reaching Eastern Conference finals.

Brunson chose to put winning first and sign a more modest contract with the Knicks instead, making a sacrifice that has paid dividends as they now sit in prime position to advance to the championship round.

Brunson’s return is an important development for the Knicks, but they will need more contributions from injured players if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. Backup big man Precious Achiuwa could return from his left hamstring injury soon and may even make his debut within days.

Josh Hart’s future

Josh Hart is an energetic force on the Knicks court, playing every time with full speed. But Hart knows his playing days may soon come to an end: during one preseason game he told reporters that only “five years left” in his career were left for him to make an impactful contribution in the league. Though quickly disregarded by coaching staff members, these comments show Hart is considering his long-term plans in basketball.

Hart has been an outstanding addition to the Knicks this season and he’s already made an enormous impactful. As their leading rebounder he is integral in their success; with an ideal combination of size and skill he provides the team with opportunities both defensively and offensively.

The Knicks appear poised to challenge the Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference this season. Their roster now features Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson – who played alongside one another at Villanova for two seasons prior to joining this team this year. These players could make an immediate impactful statement about what’s possible within their own organization.

The Knicks know they need Hart and are doing everything possible to retain him. While their cap situation might change over the summer, they know they want Hart as part of the team. He’s proven his worth as both an outstanding teammate and leader for them.

The Knicks currently possess a deep and talented roster, but their outside shooting needs improvement. If they can add an experienced coach with expertise in shooting to help with this aspect of their game, plus add another player at center until Mitchell Robinson returns, they should be able to compete effectively against any team in the league.

Mitchell Robinson’s return

Will Mitchell Robinson stay or go? That is yet to be decided by the Knicks. Robinson has not played this season due to ankle surgery but has made progress in his rehab process, with his return likely having an enormous impact on their playoff hopes. Robinson would provide depth at center and an experienced presence who could replicate what Towns has shown this season; in addition, having worked closely with younger teammates could make returning easier for all involved.

Although the Knicks don’t intend to rush Robinson back onto the court, they are eager for his return as soon as possible. Robinson would provide them with much-needed backup center coverage as well as add to defense and paint presence.

Robinson has recovered slower than expected, yet remains out for the season. Tom Thibodeau has taken an accommodating approach in pushing him back onto the court until he is completely healthy; they hope he’ll return before All-Star break. One hurdle remaining in Robinson’s rehabilitation efforts: full speed running has yet to be approved for.

Before his return, the Knicks will rely on Jericho Sims and rookie Ariel Hukporti as backup centers. But once back on the court he can make an immediate impactful return when starting practice or resumed his duties on the floor – adding depth at center while providing stability within the paint.

If Robinson can return in January, the Knicks will become much more dangerous. Although there will still be gaps to fill, their trade deadline options should increase significantly and potentially include Jonas Valanciunas, Goga Bitadze or Nick Richards as potential trade candidates should they decide to trade him; but first it’s essential that their plans for dealing him are established first.

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