Knicks’ Plans For 14th Roster Spot Revealed

The New York Knicks entered the 2026 offseason on the back of a historic playoff run that ended a 53-year-long title drought. While this would typically suggest a promising outlook for the next campaign, with aspirations to repeat championship success, the Knicks have been quiet this summer.

Last year’s playoff run was made possible by sacrifices from players like Jalen Brunson, who left enough money on the table to help the front office acquire new talent. While this approach paid off last season, the current circumstances haven’t been as favorable, especially after Knicks owner James Dolan explicitly stated that the team would not go into the second apron.

For the most part, this approach has forced the Knicks to let go of key players like Mitchell Robinson to sign others like Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Andre Drummond on low-cost deals. Now, with two roster spots left to fill, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel revealed what New York’s plans could be on a recent episode of “Clutch Scoops.”

“They’re just kind of in wait-and-see mode, especially with some teams that are going to be cutting down their rosters ahead of training camp and in training camp,” Siegel began. “Some veterans could become available, much like how Jordan Clarkson became available for them last season, and so that’s what New York is going to be doing. They’re going to wait and see who becomes available, offer them a minimum contract, and get to 14 players on their active roster.”

For the most part, it appears that New York’s current priority is to get to a 14-man roster. This could be considered a wise move, as it allows the Knicks to make roster adjustments later in the season by adding another asset off the buyout market. However, since their current payroll of $218.2 million is only $3.4 million below the second apron, the front office will have to get creative.

Given the current lack of financial flexibility, the Knicks can only consider veteran signings on low-cost contracts. On that note, Siegel hinted at some free agents New York could consider.

“There’s still some veterans out there on the market,” Siegel added. “We mentioned Gabe Vincent earlier. Kevin Love is still a free agent. There’s some other guys out there. Kelly Olynyk is one that has experience in this league. So the Knicks are going to be bringing in a veteran on the back end of their roster to kind of round it out here with that 14th roster spot, much like how they did last year with Jordan Clarkson.”

Siegel’s suggestions certainly demand some attention. For the most part, Gabe Vincent may not gain much interest from the Knicks, especially since they have a fairly well-established point guard rotation. However, given Mitchell Robinson‘s departure, pursuing a veteran forward/big man may not be out of the question.

Kelly Olynyk could be a great addition to New York’s frontcourt. Along with being a versatile big man with remarkable basketball IQ, Olynyk is also coming off an NBA Finals run with the San Antonio Spurs. Although his averages of 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 45.0% shooting from the field don’t jump off the page, there is more to him than meets the eye.

While Olynyk is solid, Kevin Love could be positioned as an even better offseason pickup for the Knicks.

Even though he isn’t as productive as he used to be, Love remains a solid rebounder, outlet passer, and perimeter threat. With averages of 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on 37.3% shooting from the field, he could be a reliable floor-spacing big man off the bench.

When you also factor in his championship experience, he could be a phenomenal addition to the Knicks’ locker room as they look to mount another title push. Thus, for all intents and purposes, if New York is looking to shore up their frontcourt depth, Kevin Love may be the best available alternative on the market.