In the past, it was odd for the New York Knicks front office to be praised because of the poor position that the organization was in. Since Leon Rose took over as president in 2020, New York has not only climbed back to relevancy but is in an excellent position for the future.
Entering the offseason, many believed it could finally be the time for the Knicks to make their long-awaited trade for a star. Damian Lillard and James Harden were two big names that requested trades, but neither fit New York’s timeline. Also, the team atop Lillard’s trade wish list is the Heat, and Harden wants to go home to the Clippers.
Lillard and Harden are still waiting for trades that may not happen this offseason, and the Knicks are expected to enter the 2023-24 season with a roster similar to 2022-23. New York made one addition in free agency by signing Donte DiVincenzo to a four-year, $50 million deal and traded Obi Toppin the same day the former Warriors guard and the Knicks agreed to the deal.
Although New York hasn’t made a series of moves this summer, the front office’s quietness shouldn’t be viewed as negative, and The Athletic’s David Aldridge agrees. In a piece ranking each team solely for their offseason moves (subscription required), Aldridge put the Knicks at No. 13.
"I’m glad New York didn’t take the bait in search of another star and move off RJ Barrett after a strong postseason. With their numerous future first-round picks and strong guard rotation, the Knicks remain poised to make a big run for the next non-Damian Lillard superstar who comes on the market. Perhaps a Cameroon native?"
David Aldridge glad Knicks “didn’t take the bait” in star search this offseason
There may still be Knicks fans out there who are mad that Leon Rose and the front office didn’t take the bait this summer, but that’s a move front offices of the past would’ve made. Rather than gamble on one of the stars on the market, the Knicks are waiting for one superstar to decide he no longer wants to be part of ‘The Process.’
Along with Joel Embiid, other stars such as Donovan Mitchell could be made available in the next year. Why go after a player like Damian Lillard or James Harden when something better will likely be coming in the near future? All for the front office to cross trading for a star player off their to-do list?
New York entering 2023-24 with the plan to run it back should excite the fanbase. Jalen Brunson is a star, Julius Randle is a monster during the regular season, and RJ Barrett is not only coming off a strong playoff performance but he’s been performing well for Canada this summer. Players such as Quentin Grimes could be primed for a breakout season, and then there’s Immanuel Quickley, who was runner-up for the 2022-23 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
There’s a lot for Knicks fans to genuinely be happy about entering a new season, and the feeling should not be taken for granted.
9 Players the New York Knicks gave up on way too soon
The New York Knicks gave up on these nine players way too soon, chasing win-now options and living to regret it in every case.