Knicks are banking on their current core to win them a title

“While the Knicks had banked multiple first-round picks, most were cashed out to assemble the current squad. Outside of potential swaps to offer, New York has just one selection available to trade, but it’s from the Washington Wizards and is all but certain to convert to a pair of second-rounders when the Wizards presumably miss the playoffs again.”

New York has made two free agent additions this summer, signing Jordan Clarkson for the minimum and Guerschon Yabusele for two years and $12 million. That leaves them with $3.7 million left in cap space below the second apron, meaning that if they want to add more than a player for the minimum, they would have to make some trades.

The Knicks will have some tough decisions to make

The Knicks are in a great position to dominate the Eastern Conference and potentially represent the East in next year’s NBA Finals. They made the Eastern Conference Finals last season despite having several flaws, and the hope is that now they will be able to have a smoother season that fulfills their expectations.

They are still expected to sign another depth piece, but who that player will be remains a mystery. Nevertheless, the Knicks are tied to their main core for the next few seasons, but they will have some tough decisions to make in the near future with Mitchell Robinson’s contract expiring.

Some have suggested that the Knicks sign Robinson to a cheaper discount, while others have suggested trading him if he accrues enough value on the market. Either way, New York will have to sacrifice one or possibly multiple key pieces to stay below the second apron at some point.

For this upcoming season, they will likely roll behind this current group of players in hopes that they can get the job done.