What's Next in the Garden?

The New York Knicks are now approaching a week from their playoff exit against the Miami Heat in the 2nd round. With that being said, the chatter began the second their season ended about what is to come. The last few seasons have become more promising when it comes to the offseason and especially heading into the next season of play. Recently the big one being the signing of free agent Guard Jalen Brunson. This of course turned out to be possibly the best signing of last offseason in the entire league. Brunson with a breakout year and a will to take the team as far as he could. Now, the organization has decisions to make considering they know they have a superstar in the making with Brunson.

Of course with a passionate fan base, the fans have been quick to exclaim their opinions on Forward Julius Randle and Coach Tom Thibodeau. With the star forward not living up to his potential in the playoffs once again and questionable coaching decisions, the fans want to know if they still have a future in New York. However, it does not look like New York will part ways with Thibodeau quite yet. As for Randle, the trade suggestions start to float around, but we can simply not know the direction President Leon Rose and General Manager Scott Perry want to go in. The plus side of Randle is the fact that he had another fantastic regular season for the squad and helped them win crucial games. Along with this is his contract being friendly for the type of player he currently is as he will be making $25,660,800 plus any incentives from the season. The only issue is the question about his lack of effort and leadership when it comes the playoffs considering the fit of players surrounding him. It was apparent that Brunson was the main guy this playoffs and will be for the future, but can Randle slide into his role better for the team? If not Randle, the team could look to trade the star. Other options in this spot for the team include Kristaps Porzingis, Harrison Barnes, Jerami Grant, Kyle Kuzma, and Pascal Siakam. They could look to switch things up at the four spot with one of these types of players that could all potentially fit, or they have the option to go with former lottery pick Obi Toppin full time. The Knicks have a lot to think about surrounding Randle and that position as for all around team chemistry.

That is not the only position the Knicks could look to fill. One of the biggest team needs in the offseason will be more wing play, specifically when it comes to shooting. Despite the shooting struggles of Julius Randle the team as whole struggled at times to score the ball. Against the Cavs, the team shot 28.2% from three and 43% from the field. Against the Heat the next round was 29.9% from three and 43.6% from the field. It was apparent during these series that team could use some help shooting from behind the arc to open up the offense even more. Some targets through free agency and such could include: Gary Trent Jr., Max Strus, Donte DiVincenzo, Alec Burks, Lonnie Walker IV, and Seth Curry. This is a void that could be filled at the right price, and with the right fit in the rotation. With RJ Barrett having a breakout postseason and showing improvement, the team knows they can rely on him at wing. Plus Josh Hart should be a top priority at the wing position if he is willing to return. With that being said, a reliable knockdown shooter could be extremely crucial to the second unit off the bench.

The team will also have to make decisions with letting Derrick Rose go, trading Evan Fournier, and extending Miles McBride. This will all contribute to the overall money situation with the team moving forward this offseason.

Overall, the Knicks have a good amount on their table heading into the summer. The team showed flashes of what they can truly be, which is an Eastern Conference Finals contender every season with the right pieces. Though they struggled at times, there were many bright spots for the team. Brunson is a superstar, Barrett can be that guy, Robinson is the glue, Hart and Hartenstein are crucial for the future, and the team defense can be a savior. They are only missing some small pieces that can fit in the team to take it to the next level with Brunson at the reigns.

Your move Leon Rose and Scott Perry.

Written by Anthony Ellis, 2023