New York Knicks Get Bad News After Report on Offseason Target

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 12:15 PM ET

The New York Knicks shocked many fans -- and executives --across the NBA world on Tuesday as they fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, who spent five seasons with the franchise.

Thibodeau spent five years in the Big Apple, helping turn the Knicks back into a winning organization. Most recently, the head coach took New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years.

One area that went wrong during this past season was the Knicks' defense, and how it didn't quite live up to the defense Thibodeau had during most of his tenure with the organization.

Having Karl-Anthony Towns anchor the post and play defense at the center position didn't quite help.

The Jalen Brunson-led offense was strong, as it should be with a superstar at the helm, though the defense needed to be better.

While Thibodeau won't be there next season to ensure the defense turns the corner, Leon Rose and the rest of the front office can make proper changes to bolster their post defense.

One "natural fit" at the center position for the Knicks is Steven Adams, who was solid for the Houston Rockets in the playoffs.

After a recent report, however, the Knicks will have a hard time pursuing Adams, as the Rockets are operating under the belief that the center will sign a contract extension to remain in Houston, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

“Veterans Steven Adams, Jeff Green and Jae’Sean Tate will be unrestricted free agents as of June 30 — but of the trio, Adams is seen as the clear priority… Adams, who earned $12.6 million last season, would be a natural fit for teams such as San Antonio, New York, Indiana and both Los Angeles organizations," Iko reports. "But the Rockets are operating under the assumption Adams wants to return — and will continue to speak with his representation about a possible extension."

The Rockets have a number of internal questions to answer this summer, but Fred VanVleet’s immediate future appears to be a foregone conclusion.

More offseason intel, exclusively on @TheAthletic: https://t.co/9CVf5nGO7v pic.twitter.com/Ct3AB6mc1p
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) June 3, 2025

Adams, hypothetically, could back up Mitchell Robinson at the center position and add size, strength and rebounding. This would alter Towns' role, if he stayed with the Knicks at all, though Adams' fit in this scenario would be strong.

New York, more than likely, won't be able to pursue Adams now, however.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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