4 Trade scenarios Knicks fans must prepare for this offseason

2. Not trading for a star

Leon Rose took over as president in 2020 with the goal of bringing a star to New York. He's already done that, but without using draft assets. Jalen Brunson signed as a free agent in 2022, but the Knicks have been accumulating their draft assets to trade for another star.

Shortly after they were eliminated in the 2024 postseason, The Athletic's Fred Katz reported that the front office is targeting this summer as the time to trade for a star (subscription required). New York isn't going to pounce on any available star but is instead looking for a player who will fit in Tom Thibodeau's system. If that player doesn't emerge this summer, the Knicks could wait until the 2025 deadline.

New York has until June 29 to decide on Bojan Bogdanovic's partially guaranteed contract for 2024-25. If the organization guarantees it, he'll make $19 million next season. His salary will be key in a trade for a star. Bogdanovic could play the first half of the season with the Knicks before the trade deadline if a deal doesn't materialize this summer.

It won't be the end of the world if New York waits a few extra months to make a big move. The Knicks are contenders without trading for a star, but because of the collective bargaining agreement, there's some pressure to make their long-awaited trade before next summer.