The New York Knicks might surprise the NBA and sign a former MVP this summer.
New York is knocking on the door of contention, but the Knicks aren’t quite at the level of the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, barring a playoff run that undoes their regular season struggles against both teams.
What the Knicks lack is a third star to make their offense less heliocentric around Jalen Brunson.
New York is currently strapped financially and would have to get off of OG Anunoby’s salary this summer to bring in another big name.
Assuming the Knicks can establish some fiscal breathing room after the season, someone they should consider taking a one- or two-year chance on is LA Clippers guard James Harden.
Harden has a $36.3 million player option for 2025-26 that he could choose to decline if the Knicks offered him a favorable deal. It would be tough to pry Harden away from the Clippers, who are also likely going to put a competing offer on the table.
There’s also Harden’s age to consider. He turns 36 in August and is obviously past his athletic prime.
At the same time, Harden even at his advanced age would provide the Knicks with something they simply don’t have — a guy other than Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns who can consistently score.
Not only can Harden put the ball in the bucket; he can playmake, too, another skill the Knicks are lacking offensively outside of Brunson and the underrated passing of KAT.
If you’re in doubt about Harden’s abilities in 2025, look no further than Sunday night. Harden dropped 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. He was 4-for-7 from three and 9-for-9 from the line.
On the season, Harden is averaging 22.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and an impressive 8.7 assists for a Clippers team that is positioned for the playoffs.
Harden’s fit on the Knicks in 2025-26 might seem odd. He’s another lefty, ball-dominant guard … like Brunson.
But great players — even ones with similar skill sets — often find a way to play together and win together. Just consider what’s happening with LeBron James and Luka Dončić on the Los Angeles Lakers right now.
If the Knicks are genuinely interested in Harden, they’ll face the hurdles of clearing enough cap space and being able to trump offers from the Clippers and other suitors.
But as long as Harden isn’t looking for a long-term deal, bringing him in for two years might be an interesting idea for a Knicks team desperate to contend but destined for another playoff exit before the NBA Finals this spring.
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