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

1: Signing the right players in free agency

Perhaps the team’s most impactful move of the summer was luring rising point guard Jalen Brunson away from the Dallas Mavericks, where he’ll now be allowed to step into a larger offensive role for the team that he grew up cheering for.

Brunson averaged a modest 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists last season, although his numbers should likely increase now that he’s not playing alongside a ball-dominant superstar like Luka Doncic.

Some of Brunson’s best skills are his ability to get into the paint and finish efficiently as well as the talent to create his own shots, which are both areas in which the Knicks struggled mightily last season.

Given a larger role combined with his constant improvement while he was in Dallas, it isn’t difficult to see Brunson potentially battling it out for an Eastern Conference All-Star spot as well sometime during his upcoming Knicks tenure.

The front office was also able to pry backup center Isaiah Hartenstein away from the Los Angeles Clippers in July, who should be a major upgrade over the oft-injured Noel. Hartenstein is known for his hard screens and soft touch around the basket combined with a sizable amount of shot-blocking talent. He’s also just 24 years old.

The Knicks had a hectic offseason, but their flurry of under-the-radar trades, contract extensions, and free agent signings should help them return to playing competitive basketball on a nightly basis and to a season that lasts longer than 82 games.

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