Following a disappointing second-round playoff loss to the Miami Heat, the Knicks enter an offseason full of questions. While it may not break the team, fans have no doubt that the Knicks’ current roster will look a little different than it currently does. In addition to this, it’s likely that we see a couple of players return to New York on a new deal.
While it’s obviously always difficult to guess what a team will do in an offseason, these three things are more likely to happen than not, especially with the direction it seems the front office is going in.
3 reasonable expectations to have for the New York Knicks’ offseason
3. Derrick Rose’s team option will be denied
While he once was a great contributor for a playoff team, it seems as if Derrick Rose may not have much time left in the league. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Knicks’ front office deny his team option for 2023-24. Not only would this help free up cap space, but it would also allow Rose to join a team that will give him a better chance to win a ring.
Rose used to be a vital piece off the Knicks bench back during their 2021 playoff run, however, after dealing with a multitude of injuries in 2021-22, he is no longer the player that he was even two years ago. In just 27 games played this season, Rose averaged 5.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 38.4% from the field and 30.2% from deep on 2.3 attempts.
Fans love Rose and everything he has done for the Knicks, however, it’s very clear that it’s time for him to go. There isn’t room for him in the rotation with Jalen Brunson and Immanuel Quickley manning both point guard spots.
Hopefully, Rose can go out and compete for a ring elsewhere next season. For now, though, expect his option to be declined rather soon.
2. Leon Rose will look to trade for a star
If one thing was clear during the Knicks’ postseason run, especially against the Heat, it’s that New York needs more consistent scoring on the perimeter. While players like Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett played well throughout the majority of the playoffs, that was really it. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Knicks’ front office look into acquiring another perimeter scorer, or even better, an elite two-way wing.
Players like Karl-Anthony Towns or Mikal Bridges very well could be made available this offseason. Either of these two would fix some of the Knicks’ biggest issues on both sides of the ball.
Even if Rose isn’t interested in trading for a star, players like Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neale, or Alex Caruso could hit the market and would fix a lot of the problems New York has on the defensive side of the ball.
The Knicks have plenty of assets to move regardless of the caliber of player they wish to acquire. If Rose wants a star, expect names like Barrett, Quentin Grimes, and potentially even Julius Randle to be floated around in trade talks. Who knows exactly what Rose has on his mind, but considering how often the Knicks are connected with stars every offseason, expect to see more of the same.
1. Immanuel Quickley will receive his rookie extension
While New York could very well wait until next offseason, it would make more sense for them to give Immanuel Quickley the money he deserves sooner rather than later. Quickley may have had a disappointing postseason, but his incredible play in the regular season and importance to the Knicks must not be ignored.
It’s hard to judge how much Quickley will make, especially with his playoff performance. However, fans have no doubt that Rose and the Knicks will work their coattails off to retain Quickley at a reasonable price.
In 81 regular season games, Quickley averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.0% from three on 5.6 attempts. In addition to this, Quickley was by far the Knicks’ best perimeter defender. While this was somehow not recognized by the NBA award voters, most hardcore fans of the league know how elite he was on the defensive end.
Hopefully, if the Knicks make the playoffs again next season, we see a much-improved version of Quickley. New York has already had to deal with one star consistently fading away in the playoffs, so they can’t deal with another one.
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