Grading the Knicks’ Off-Season So Far

Although the New York Knicks entered the 2025 offseason with minimal resources, it remains one of the most important summers in the franchise’s history. Rarely has this organization been in a position where slight improvements can make the team legitimate championship hopefuls. Coming off their best campaign in at least 25 years, New York can almost taste the title. However, they still had a lot of work to do, starting with a few moves over the past two weeks.

Grading the Knicks’ Off-Season So Far: B+

New York Aced Free Agency, Hired Mike Brown, and Made One Draft Pick

The NBA off-season can be looked at through three lenses: free agency/trades, coaching changes, and the draft. Teams in rebuild mode put more weight into the draft process, while aspiring contenders often prioritize player transactions and improving their coaching staffs. Well, the Knicks fit squarely into the second category. After making it to within two games of an NBA Finals appearance in 2025, New York needed to upgrade both their roster and head coach.

Signed Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele: A

Although these two veteran signings aren’t flashy, Leon Rose made magic happen here. New York desperately needed additional depth off the bench after Tom Thibodeau ran their thin seven-man unit into the ground. While Thibs is infamous for unwisely distrusting the end of his bench as well as young players, those spots simply also needed to be upgraded. Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, Precious Achiuwa, and Delon Wright all had their moments, but aren’t good enough players to feature heavily in a postseason series. Indiana and Oklahoma City proved how important depth is in the playoffs. The days of riding six or seven guys to a championship are over in the new, fast-paced NBA. New York knew that.

Getting your eighth and ninth man for just $9.3M in 2025-26 is a steal for the Knicks. They had very little financial flexibility, as they’re hard-capped at the second apron. NY has just one more veteran minimum slot to fill, and their roster will be set for this season (barring a blockbuster trade).

Rose Made the Most of Limited Cap Space

Jordan Clarkson is a perfect fit as Mike Brown’s backup shooting guard and will run bench units with his explosive scoring ability. He’s basically a massive upgrade over what Payne provided: a flamethrower bench guard who can create shots for himself and his teammates.

Guerschon Yabusele is also an ideal signing for the Knicks. After an excellent international career that culminated in an Olympic run with France, where he went toe-to-toe with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Team USA in 2024, Yabusele earned a contract with the 76ers. He averaged 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds on 61.6% TS on a struggling Sixers squad. The Frenchman should fit in perfectly with New York’s five-out offense. He’s a confident shooter who can make plays off the dribble, just what the Knicks need in a backup big man.