The New York Knicks enter the 2025-26 campaign as one of the top contenders in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
The Knicks locked Mikal Bridges into a four-year, $150 million extension while adding quality, cost-effective players in Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson to strengthen their second unit. However, New York made a drastic decision after falling to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference, firing head coach Tom Thibodeau after five seasons.
Still, the Knicks have the pieces in place to reach the NBA Finals, and their offseason roster moves may help them get there.
Coaching decision headlines Knicks’ offseason moves
David Aldridge of The Athletic ranked the Knicks’ offseason as the 15th best in the league, citing their coaching change as a key factor for their placement.
“If the Knicks hadn’t fired Thibs after the franchise’s most successful season in a quarter-century, they’d be ranked higher,” he wrote. “If the Knicks hadn’t brought in two quality vets in Yabusele and Clarkson to improve their middling bench, they’d be ranked lower.”
MORE: Knicks fans call for big change to starting lineup in recent poll
Despite letting Thibodeau go, the Knicks still landed a two-time Coach of the Year in Mike Brown. With Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Bridges headlining a star-studded starting five, the sky is the limit for New York.
One of New York’s main concerns last season was bench production, though Clarkson and Yabusele should help bolster a second unit expected to feature Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson, Tyler Kolek and Pacome Dadiet. The Knicks may still add more depth this offseason, with Ben Simmons, Landry Shamet and Russell Westbrook all having been linked to the club.
Regardless, optimism remains high about New York’s title hopes following their payoff run in 2024-25.
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