3 Potential Trade Targets for the New York Knicks Entering 2025-26 NBA Season

The biggest of these additions is new head coach Mike Brown who was hired to replace Tom Thibodeau after he was fired to begin the offseason.

New York also signed Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet in free agency to upgrade their bench.

By making these moves, the Knicks are looking to make a run at a championship this season, though they could elect to make more moves ahead of the trade deadline and if that is the case, these three players could be potential targets.

Walker Kessler

The Knicks have been linked to Walker Kessler since last offseason, though they have not met the Utah Jazz’s high asking price for him.

That could change this season as the Knicks look to make a push for a championship as they could look to upgrade their frontcourt by making a move for Kessler.

Of course, the young center is a great rebounder and defender and is also a reliable inside scorer who New York could start alongside Towns or have him come off the bench.

Keon Ellis

The Sacramento Kings have shown no interest in trading Keon Ellis this offseason but that could change ahead of the trade deadline and if it does, New York could look to acquire him.

The 25-year-old guard is a great defender who has also improved on the offensive end over the past few seasons.

With New York’s lack of defense in their second unit, they could look to add the young guard to their roster, though the Kings will likely want a large trade package in return if they choose to move him.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

While both Kessler and Ellis could be solid additions to New York’s roster, Giannis Antetokounmpo could make them into the championship favorite.

Of course, Giannis has been in the news all offseason as many around the NBA expected him to demand a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, though that was not the case.

Despite this, the superstar forward could demand a trade ahead of the trade deadline and if he does, the Knicks will likely be a team in on him as they have been pursuing him over the past few seasons.

While the Knicks could look to make trades for all three of these players, they could also look elsewhere around the league to bolster their roster to make a run at a title.