The New York Knicks are about to embark on the most anticipated season in recent memory. Mikal Bridges is a Knick, OG Anunoby is back, and the team is healthy. What’s not to love?
Jalen Brunson is coming off his first All-NBA/All-Star season. Expectations are high for him as he enters his third season in New York (his first as captain). He is the No. 1 option. When the game is on the line, the ball needs to be in Brunson’s hands.
The point guard’s future is already sealed. He signed a four-year extension this summer. Brunson isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The futures of some of his teammates aren’t as certain, though. As important as the 2024-25 season is, it’s going to be even more important for these four players.
Jericho Sims
New York picked up Jericho Sims’ team option this summer, and his $2 million salary was recently fully guaranteed. When the Knicks re-signed Precious Achiuwa, Sims went from backup to third-choice center.
The 25-year-old hasn’t played a big role in his first three seasons with the team, and that should continue in 2024-25. It’ll be tough for Sims to find ways to stand out if he’s not in the rotation, but this will be an important season for him.
Sims has been recovering from injuries the past two summers. He entered this offseason in great shape, which will help him. The extra-man mentality served the Knicks well last season. If an unfortunate injury occurs, Sims should be ready to take over.
He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Whether he stays in New York or not, he could find ways to increase his value in 2024-25.
Precious Achiuwa
Achiuwa is back in new york since signing a one-year, $6 million deal. Once Isaiah Hartenstein left, fans suspected Achiuwa would return. He performed well in the second half of last season after being included in the OG Anunoby trade.
The first half of next season will be especially important for Achiuwa. The collective bargaining agreement complicates things for New York as a team in the first fiscal period, but if the Knicks need an upgrade, he could be traded before the trade deadline.
Maybe Achiuwa will continue to impress and prove he deserves to stay with us all season. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Even though he feels like he’s been in the league much longer, he’ll be 25 next month. Achiuwa wants to find a long-term home.
Mitchell Robinson
An ankle injury cut Mitchell Robinson’s 2023-24 season short. He underwent surgery in December, returned late in the regular season, reinjured his ankle in the playoffs and underwent minor surgery.
He’s back in the starting center role after Hartenstein left. There shouldn’t be any questions about Robinson’s performance, as it’s a role he’s comfortable with, but rather questions about his health. The Knicks were decimated by injuries last season and want to avoid that at all costs in 2024-25.
Robinson has two full seasons left on his current deal, so it’s not like his contract is expiring. This is still a showcase season for him. He can’t control his health, but he can control his production. If he has as complete a season as possible and finds himself in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation again, there shouldn’t be as many questions about his future in New York.
Julius Randle
Julius Randle became eligible for an extension on Aug. 3, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. There’s a good chance a deal won’t be reached before the start of the season. The most the Knicks can offer is a four-year, $181.5 million contract. If he signs an extension now, he won’t be tradeable before the deadline, which could abandon the team’s business plans.
SNY’s Ian Begley wrote that Randle is looking forward to the upcoming season and has high expectations for New York. He hasn’t indicated he wants to leave. If he doesn’t sign an extension before the team’s first game, it won’t mean he’s on his way out. Randle could decline his player option next summer to become an unrestricted free agent.
The Knicks like Randle. Otherwise, he would have was traded this summer (subscription required). Some wonder if he could be a starter in the starting lineup. He will have another chance to silence the doubters. If he has a productive season, questions about his future will subside.
Even though New York finished second in the East last season because of Randle’s injury, he is essential to the team’s success. When Randle plays well, his teammates take inspiration from him. Don’t underestimate his impact.
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