Knicks’ McBride ‘A Little Disappointed’ By Extension Talks

“I love being in New York. Obviously, I’ve been here my whole career,” McBride told the Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News. “I’m a little — I’m a little disappointed. Of course, you want to obviously come to the right terms, and I want to be in New York. So yeah, it’s a little hard at times, but I’m gonna be a professional. I want to go out and do my job. So that’s in my ability, and to help the team win for as long as I’m with the team.”

McBride is entering his sixth season with the Knicks after being selected 36th overall in the 2021 draft. He averaged 12.0 points, 2.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 0.9 steals while shooting 41.3% from three-point range in 41 regular season games last season, having missed several weeks due to sports hernia surgery. The 26-year-old also appeared in all 19 of New York’s playoff games.

“Not just Quick [Immanuel Quickley], but in the NBA, you see it all the time with [contract disputes leading to trades], and you just have to be a professional. You can’t worry about those things,” McBride said. “I hope we come to some type of agreement. I’ve played through injury. I’ve been through a lot with this team, and I’ve worked my way into being a key guy. So you know, I’d love to get something done.”

McBride, who is considered a strong trade candidate if he isn’t extended, indicated to Winfield that he believes he has untapped upside, noting that players are sometimes boxed into specific roles due to the composition of their team’s roster.

“I feel like in times where guys have been out, I’ve been able to show a lot,” McBride said. “So it’s always — to me — it’s about opportunity. I feel like I’ve continued to grow and improve every single year.”

McBride will remain extension-eligible through June 30, 2027. However, multiple reporters have expressed skepticism about a deal being reached because McBride is seeking a raise from his current team-friendly contract and the Knicks have future salary cap concerns due to their expensive payroll.