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3 reasons why Knicks’ key offseason moves will pay off in 2022-23

By Zachary Bachar

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 19: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 19, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 19: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 19, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks have been involved in a multitude of rumors this offseason, whether it was attempting to trade up in the NBA draft for fifth overall pick Jaden Ivey or nearly completing a blockbuster deal for Jazz star Donovan Mitchell.

Neither of those deals ended up materializing, but the front office still made a series of acquisitions and signings over the summer designed to make the roster better in both the short and long term.

While the team didn’t make any franchise-altering moves in free agency or via trade, their offseason should still be considered a success and also result in an increased win total next year.

The front office could potentially make another trade or two before the start of the regular season, but they’ve already done enough to show that they’ve built an improved roster regardless. Here are three reasons why.

3 reasons why the New York Knicks’ offseason transactions will pay off

3: Removing the abundance of veterans to allow minutes for the young core

The Knicks dealt away veterans Kemba Walker, Alec Burks, and Nerlens Noel in a couple of trades this summer while attaching future second-round picks to move off the last year of their respective deals. They also let Taj Gibson walk in free agency, and he ended up signing with the Washington Wizards.

A major problem that the team had last year was that young players often weren’t able to get consistent minutes due to the glut of veterans at nearly every rotation spot. This issue was only amplified when the team wasn’t winning enough to justify the older lineup.

Now, fans should expect to see players such as Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Cam Reddish, Miles McBride, and Jericho Sims have increased minutes-per-game numbers compared to last season. Summer League standout Quentin Grimes could get a shot at the starting shooting guard spot.

It ultimately comes down to whether or not head coach Tom Thibodeau is willing to budge on his traditionally veteran-filled rotations.

However, the abundance of young talent on the roster combined with the lack of veterans should lead to a more youth-focused approach this upcoming season.

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