The New York Knicks have put together an impressive offseason while entering the new year as defending NBA champions.
New York retained Landry Shamet (four years, $24 million), Mohamed Diawara (four years, $10 million) and Jose Alvarado (three years, $14.5 million) on what look like team-friendly deals.
The Knicks also signed Andre Drummond to a one-year, $3.9 million contract to back up Karl-Anthony Towns after Mitchell Robinson departed for the Boston Celtics and Ariel Hukporti signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, two of New York’s biggest rivals.
With owner James Dolan committed to staying below the NBA’s second tax apron, New York has enough flexibility to add two veterans on minimum contracts, conveniently filling the final two roster spots before the 2026-27 season.
As it stands on Thursday, July 9:
- Point Guard Jalen Brunson
- Point Guard Jose Alvarado
- Point Guard Miles McBride
- Point Guard Tyler Kolek
- Shooting Guard Mikal Bridges
- Shooting Guard Landry Shamet
- Small Forward Josh Hart
- Small Forward Pacome Dadiet
- Small Forward Tyler Nickel
- Power Forward OG Anunoby
- Power Forward Mohamed Diawara
- Center Karl-Anthony Towns
- Center Andre Drummond
- Projected 2 Way Contracts: Point Guard Jack Kayil, Shooting Guard Dillion Jones and Center Trey Jemison III
– Side Note: Kayil and Nickel seem to be fighting for that final roster spot, both will be playing time in the G-League and the NBA.
Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson remains unsigned nearly two weeks into free agency after spending last season in New York. If both sides are interested in a reunion on a veteran minimum deal for the secons straight yearl, Clarkson already understands Mike Brown’s system and could contribute immediately.
The former Sixth Man of the Year averaged nine points, two rebounds and one assist last season while embracing a reduced role. Although his minutes fluctuated throughout the year, Clarkson appeared in four of the five NBA Finals games and provided veteran leadership as the oldest player on the roster.
Jeremy Sochan
Jeremy Sochan is one of the more intriguing free agents available, but a return to New York appears unlikely.
Claimed off waivers following the trade deadline, the former lottery pick never found his footing with the Knicks, averaging three points and two rebounds while falling out of the regular rotation. After the long-term signing of Mohamed Diawara and the addition of Andre Drummond, Sochan would likely have to accept another minimum contract to return.
His defensive versatility and upside remain appealing, but unless his market completely dries up, he’ll probably look elsewhere for a larger role.
DeMar DeRozan
This is the dream scenario for Knicks fans.
If DeMar DeRozan decides winning a championship is more important than another lucrative contract, New York immediately becomes one of the most attractive destinations.
After being released by Sacramento, DeRozan averaged 18 points, four assists and three rebounds despite playing on a Kings team that wasnt in the right direction for his career. Even at this stage, he’d give the Knicks another reliable half-court scorer and could either lead the second unit or compete for a starting spot alongside Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.
Jonas Valanciunas
Even after signing Andre Drummond, another experienced center wouldn’t hurt.
Jonas Valanciunas would primarily provide insurance behind Karl-Anthony Towns while offering leadership and playoff experience. At 34 years old, he averaged nine points and five rebounds backing up Nikola Jokic in Denver last season.
He may no longer be an every-night starter, but he’s still capable of producing quality minutes and would strengthen New York’s frontcourt depth as he searches for his first NBA championship.
Drew Eubanks
Drew Eubanks has quietly built a reputation as a dependable backup big throughout his NBA career.
Entering his ninth season, Eubanks averaged five points and three rebounds while making 11 starts for Sacramento. He wouldn’t command many minutes behind Towns and Drummond, but he’d give the Knicks another experienced frontcourt option capable of stepping into meaningful games when needed.
For a veteran minimum contract, Eubanks would be a low-risk depth signing.
LeBron James
LeBron James joining the Knicks isn’t happening.
