It was no secret all through the summer time that the Knicks wanted assist at middle after Isaiah Hartenstein took the massive wage to go to a different competitor in Oklahoma Metropolis. Effectively earlier than the Commerce of Karl-Anthony Cities got here collectively, the New York entrance workplace appeared in all places for one more appropriate huge.
Enter Walker Kessler and the Utah Jazz. Marc Stein stories in his newest publication that the edges mentioned, however Utah President Danny Ainge demanded from the Knicks two remaining protected first-round picks (Washington and Detroit’s 2025 picks, each protected and unlikely to be conveyed this 12 months). New York may have fought again with some alternative trades, however whatever the conversations, no deal was reached.
This opened the door to A blockbuster metropolis commerce that despatched Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesotain addition to this Pistons first-round decide (top-13 protected in 2025, however prone to be drafted first in 2026 or 2027). The Knicks stored their first-rounder from the Wizards, who’s protected within the high 10 this season (and with the Wizards anticipating a tank, Washington will maintain that decide this 12 months). This decide is protected among the many high eight in 2026 and, if not conveyed, then turns into two second rounds.
Stein additionally reiterates in his publication one thing already written and anticipated: Mikal Bridges won’t discuss extension with the Knicks till subsequent offseason.
The reason being cash and adaptability. Below CBA guidelines, Bridges can presently solely prolong the extension for 2 years, at roughly $61 million, however on the finish of the season he may prolong for as much as 4 years and $156 million. Bridges is rumored to be prepared to take a monetary reduce to assist the Knicks (like Jalen Brunson did), it could nonetheless make sense for him to attend and get a number of years of safety and a bit extra money.
