Following the New York Knicks’ second-round playoff loss to the Miami Heat, they enter an offseason full of potential for some big changes.
It’s always hard to determine exactly what any team’s front office has in mind for an offseason. However, in the case of New York, it can really go one of two ways. Either Leon Rose and the front office commit to contending and make some big-time trades to make a championship run, or they make some minor moves and depend on the development of players like Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley.
Regardless of what direction the front office opts to go in, these four things very well could happen. Are they the most likely to happen? No. Despite this, if Rose wants to get crazy this offseason, these four predictions are a good way to shake things up.
4 bold predictions for what the Knicks could do this offseason
4. Obi Toppin will be traded
As much as it pains fans to say, it doesn’t seem very likely that Obi Toppin will be on the Knicks roster to start next season. While he is a talented player, his fit in the offense and complete lack of defense make it hard to keep him around. Toppin’s offensive struggles may be more on the way he is used, but he certainly doesn’t do himself any favors.
Whether he is used in a package for a star or is traded for a role player like Buddy Hield, it simply makes much more sense to trade Toppin than keep him around long-term. Not only would adding a two-way, stretch-four type of player fit much better for the Knicks, but allowing Toppin to use his incredible finishing abilities elsewhere could do wonders for his career.
As for potential Toppin replacements, names like Trey Lyles, Jae Crowder, or Torrey Craig would not only be cheap to acquire but would fit much better with the way New York’s roster is currently constructed. Even if the Knicks don’t wish to add a more traditional power forward, there are tons of versatile wings available on the trade market or through free agency.
Fans have all the faith in the world for Toppin to be a successful NBA player. However, it has become more and more clear that this will likely not occur if he remains in New York.
3. Leon Rose will dangle RJ Barrett’s name in trade talks
Following a rough regular season, but an incredible playoff run, it wouldn’t shock fans to see the Knicks shop RJ Barrett around this offseason for a star. Barrett’s name was already put out on the market prior to the start of the season, and considering how much that surprised everyone, we can see Leon Rose continuing this and making moves for contention.
While it would pain fans to see Barrett go, New York could benefit greatly by adding a more consistent third option on offense behind Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson. Maybe Barrett can develop into that, but banking on that at this point might be too big of a risk to take.
If Barrett plays like he did this season in 2023-24, his value will likely tank compared to what it could be with him coming off of a hot playoff run. This, however, all depends on the direction Rose wants to go in this offseason. Fans can see this happening, but more likely than not, Rose will retain Barrett and make smaller moves to improve the team.
It’s also worth noting that Barrett’s contract extension kicks in next season, so moving him in a trade for a high-value star will be much easier to do. Barrett’s time with the Knicks has been the definition of a roller coaster. New York has the chance to capitalize on his value and push closer toward contention.
2. The Knicks will make a big swing for a superstar this offseason
It seems as if the Knicks are in connection with a superstar every offseason. However, this time around it seems as if New York could actually act upon this given the team’s current position. Not only did the Knicks surpass expectations this season, but they also have tons of assets that can be used in a trade for a star player.
The caliber of player the Knicks could go for depends on how the offseason goes for other teams. For example, Giannis Antetokounmpo has surprisingly been linked to the Knicks. While this seems impossible, it’s worth mentioning that the Bucks could be losing Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and others this offseason, thus opening the door for Antetokounmpo to ask out.
It’s almost impossible to know what kind of package Milwaukee could ask for Antetokounmpo, but the Knicks have the assets that could easily be swung in a trade. Even if Rose doesn’t wanna go crazy with a player like Antetoukounmpo, guys like Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine could very well be made available too.
While the best course for New York is to likely continue with the core they have and add smaller pieces, it wouldn’t shock fans to see Rose put all of his eggs into one basket and shoot for a star this offseason.
1. Julius Randle will be mentioned in trade talks
Following yet another disappointing playoff run, fans wouldn’t be surprised to see the Knicks front office include Julius Randle in trade talks this offseason. His regular season play was incredible, but this is the second playoff run in three seasons in which Randle has played terribly, and in today’s NBA that’s unacceptable.
It’s not just that Randle has been bad, his complete lack of effort on defense and poor decision-making with the ball in his hands almost make him a detriment to the team come playoff time.
Who knows what Randle’s value would be on the open market? However, even if the Knicks can simply get a power forward or wing who is a much better fit in return and is cheaper, it would likely be worth it. For example, a sign and trade for a player like Cam Johnson, or dare I say, Kristaps Porzingis barring that he accepts his player option, could be very beneficial.
Unless Randle pulls it all together next season and the front office is willing to bank on that, it may simply be best for him to go. Replacing his “production” may not be easy, but the fit and defense another player could bring would be a big upgrade on its own.
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