Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Matt Barnes says the New York Knicks can do something ‘incredible’ this offseason that he would absolutely love

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By James Shearman | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 8:53 AM ET

The New York Knicks are in an interesting position this offseason after losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The immediate reaction to the defeat was obviously disappointment, especially because they were the favorites to beat the Pacers.

The Knicks then fired head coach Tom Thibodeau and have considered more than 10 candidates to replace him.

Yet, they are actually in a great position to make the NBA Finals next season, with arguably the best roster in the East after the unfortunate injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton.

Now, former player Matt Barnes has tipped the Knicks to make an “incredible” offseason move.

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Matt Barnes wants New York Knicks to hire Dawn Staley as head coach

The Knicks started their head coach pursuit with inquiries to several NBA teams about their existing coaches, such as the Houston Rockets (Ime Udoka) and Minnesota Timberwolves (Chris Finch).

After many rejections and plenty of criticism, New York have since turned their attention to available candidates, like Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins.

Another name in the running is Dawn Staley, the 55-year-old head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team.

She would become the first full-time female head coach in NBA history, which Barnes thinks would be “incredible for the game.”

“The New York Knicks made waves this weekend,” Barnes said. “Obviously, with the coaching vacancies still up in the air, they reached out to the great Dawn Staley.

“I think it would be incredible for the game. It’s one of the hottest seats in sports, but she’s a proven winner on and off the court, with what she’s been able to do in her career. I think it would be interesting to see.

“What was the movie called where Whoopi Goldberg was the Knicks coach? That s— was good, and it had all the NBA players in it. Eddie!

“And I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way. It just reminded me.. I loved that movie. I’m sure I would love it if Dawn Staley got the opportunity.”

New York Knicks expected to sign Jordan Clarkson in free agency

Despite not knowing who their head coach will be in the 2025-26 season, the Knicks have already made an addition to their roster.

Jordan Clarkson was recently bought out of his contract by the Utah Jazz and he is now expected to sign with the Knicks in the coming days.

Jordan Clarkson is expected to sign with the New York Knicks after he clears free agency waivers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/I9PnQFZArw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Clarkson has averaged 16 points per game in his 11-season NBA career to date, shooting almost 44 percent from the field and 34 percent from the three-point line.

Inefficiency is a slight concern, but he will provide an impactful scoring punch to an otherwise low-scoring Knicks bench unit.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: