It's been a busy and exciting offseason for the New York Knicks.
The Knicks made the first big splash of the NBA offseason by completing a blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges. They followed it up by re-signing OG Anunoby to a whopping $212 million deal, and extending Jalen Brunson on one of the most team-friendly deals in NBA history. Along the way, they got positive grades for their draft and made some free agent signings to fill out their depth.
Though they did lose starting center Isaiah Hartestein in free agency, by and large, the Knicks have been one of the winners of the offseason.
Now, with the busiest part of the offseason winding down and the Knicks' roster close to set, we examined some winners and losers of the offseason action. While the Knicks, as a whole, should be better next season, what's good for the team isn't always good for a player's individual outlook.
Here's look at some offseason winners and losers on the Knicks.
Winner: Mikal Bridges
This is an easy one. Not only did Bridges get traded from a Nets team going nowhere to a potential contender — he got sent to one that happens to employ three of his best friends from college. Bridges is no longer Squidward sadly looking out his window while his friends play outside.
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) March 23, 2024Josh Hart says Mikal Bridges is jealous of his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Hart himself, & Donte DiVincenzo having fun & winning in New York:
“It’s like that SpongeBob meme when Squidward is looking out the window and he sees SpongeBob and Patrick having fun.… pic.twitter.com/TTb3zElv6k
On the basketball side of things, Bridges also stands to benefit from less responsibility. After an up-and-down 1.5 seasons as the lead offensive creator in Brooklyn, Bridges now figures to slide into a No. 2 or No. 3 role on offense. He can handle the ball in doses and create his own looks, but he'll also get more catch-and-shoot opportunities and easy cuts. He can focus on playing a role somewhere between his 3-and-D days in Phoenix and his No. 1 role with Brooklyn.
The only downside for Bridges is that his play will be highly scrutinized after the Knicks gave up so much to add him.
Loser: Donte DiVincenzo
We put "loser" lightly, as DiVincenzo is slated for a big role on a team with three of his college pals. Still, DiVincenzo's reward for a career-best, record-breaking season with the Knicks is a move to the bench (assuming Bridges starts). DiVincenzo began last season as a reserve before stealing the starting two-guard spot from Quentin Grimes. He thrived as a starter, and the Knicks' offense took off with the move. He played massive minutes and a big offensive role on a playoff team. DiVincenzo was slightly over-burdened with that responsibility, but he still responded with some big numbers and big moments on a big stage.
While "Divo" could be a favorite for Sixth Man of the Year next year, it wouldn't be surprising to see him play something like 25 minutes per night as opposed to the 37 he averaged after last year's All-Star break.
Winner: Jalen Brunson
The Knicks are officially Brunson's team. They did not add a co-star who is going to take many shots or touches from Brunson. The (semi-) star player they did add is Brunson's college friend. Brunson is the clear-cut, No.1 man on this roster.
Brunson also signed a four-year, $156 million extension. That extension may be a lot smaller than the five-year, $270 million he could have gotten if he became a free agent next summer, but nevertheless, it's still $156 million locked in — Brunson's second $100-million contract and the biggest of his career.
He's already becoming a New York icon — expect him to get a rousing ovation during the Knicks' first home game this year after doing the franchise a solid and committing to a long-term stay.
Loser: Miles McBride
Much like DiVincenzo, McBride's reward for a career year and a remarkable individual leap is — likely a reduced role off the bench. It's not hard to view the Knicks' offseason moves as something of a lack of faith in McBride. They drafted Tyler Kolek, a point guard in the mold of Brunson, and signed Cameron Payne as a veteran ball-handler. It's possible that neither player challenges McBride's minutes, but it also shouldn't be overlooked that the team added two reserve point guards to the roster.
Add in that DiVincenzo and Josh Hart will now come off the bench, and that Bridges and Randle will likely play some minutes with the reserves, and it seems as if McBride will have more competition for minutes, touches, and shots.
Winner: Mitchell Robinson
Robinson lost his starting job to Isaiah Hartenstein last year after undergoing ankle surgery. Now, Robinson, the longest-tenured Knick, is slated to take the job back and play a vital role on this Knicks team.
Robinson's injury-plagued '23-24 season — and Hartenstein's breakout — seems to have made some people forget how effective the 26-year-old big man can be when healthy. Robinson is a dominant offensive rebounder and a stifling defender. He was off to a dominant start to begin last season before his injury, and he's played a big role in the Knicks' first-round playoff victories the last two years
Robinson is going to have a big opportunity to prove himself again. The Knicks need him to remain strong on the boards and in protecting the paint. It would be a major plus if he can improve his field goal percentage at the rim and make reads with the ball in his hands. Above all, he needs to stay healthy.
Loser: Jericho Sims
For a short time, following Hartenstein's free agency departure, Sims was slated to be the Knicks' backup center. But Knicks fans and analysts never really saw it that way, and they were right. Amid trade rumors for another center, the Knicks ultimately re-signed Precious Achiuwa to play backup five.
Sims now slides down to third on the depth chart, and perhaps even fourth if the Knicks might try some small-ball with Julius Randle and OG Anunoby as their "big men." If Robinson or Achiuwa gets hurt, Sims will have a chance to play. But he once again faces significant roadblocks to a serious role.
Winner: Tom Thibodeau
There's no denying that the Knicks have been made into a Thibodeau team. The roster is full of tough, competitive individuals who want to win above all else. Thibodeau clearly has an influence on the roster decisions, and there is true symmetry between coach and players — the team's leaders all publicly support Thibodeau, vouch for his style, and defend him from criticism.
Thibodeau was given a three-year extension, one that locks him into place until 2028. There will be a real opportunity for Thibodeau to become the longest-tenured and winningest head coach the franchise has had since Red Holzman.
Loser: Julius Randle
We admittedly feel a bit queasy about this pick. On one hand, Randle's value became clear during the Knicks' injury-riddled spring run. The team badly missed his shot-creation, size, and toughness. He's set to return to the team with a chance to add a missing element on offense and prove his value as a No. 2 star on a contender.
However, it's hard to shake the feeling that Randle is also something of a square peg in a round hole. He's perhaps the most ill-fitting piece on this roster. Randle isn't a great shooter or defender. He needs the ball in his hands. On a team full of malleable pieces, Randle is the least flexible positionally. Randle's effort can occasionally be questioned; last year's playoff run was defined by the Knicks' indomitable spirit.
Randle is eligible for an extension, and whether he and the team agree to a deal — and for how much — will be telling about how they view each other and their respective futures.
Randle will be a welcomed addition back on the court this year for all of the above stated reasons. But he is also set to have a highly scrutinized return, with fans and analysts watching if he can fit in on this revamped squad.
