The dream starting five for the New York Knicks 5 years from now

Knicks’ dream shooting guard in 2028: Quentin Grimes

Looking at New York’s current roster, Quentin Grimes is one young player the front office should prioritize keeping long-term. He’s coming off his first full season as a starter and has worked this offseason to add a few more things to his tool kit.

Over the next few seasons, Grimes should emerge as one of the league’s best 3-and-D wings. His three-point percentage last season (38.6%) was slightly better than his rookie year (38.1%), but his defense improved. Grimes routinely guards the opposing team’s best player, so if he can become more of a consistent threat from downtown, he’ll be hard to stop.

Grimes has a $4.3 million club option for 2024-25, so if he signs an extension, it’ll start with the 2025-26 season. The Knicks will go into the luxury tax if they extend Grimes and Immanuel Quickley, so it’s nothing more than a prediction that New York will choose to keep its current starting shooting guard.

Knicks’ dream small forward in 2028: Mikal Bridges

The Knicks have been collecting former Villanova players, and although Leon Rose wouldn’t say it publicly, the team president would likely love nothing more than getting Mikal Bridges. He won’t be a free agent until 2026, the soonest New York could likely get him, as Brooklyn would never trade him to its biggest rival.

The Nets’ future isn’t looking bright, and although they’ve lauded Bridges as their next star, it’s tough to envision him re-signing with Brooklyn. With Brunson likely still being in New York in 2028, the two former Wildcats could finally reunite to win some more hardware.