The New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. They fell two wins short of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. The franchise hasn’t won a title since 1973. With the team getting closer to reaching their ultimate goal, let’s predict if the Knicks key free agents will stay or leave in the offseason.
Stay Or Go? Predicting What Happens With Knicks Free Agents
Precious Achiuwa – Leave
Turning 26 years old on September 19, Precious Achiuwa played this season on a $6 million deal. He was acquired in the trade last season that also brought OG Anunoby to the Knicks. The $6 million sounds like a reasonable number for 2025-26, but it may be another team giving it to him. He remained outside the Knicks rotation throughout the playoffs, never reaching 10 minutes in an outing.
During the regular season, Achiuwa posted averages of 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 20.5 minutes. Perhaps New York does decide to bring him back due in part to the lengthy injury history of Mitchell Robinson. After barely seeing the court in postseason play though, it feels like Achiuwa’s time in a Knicks uniform may be complete.
Cameron Payne – Leave
For much of the season, Cameron Payne provided solid value on his minimum deal. Turning 31 on August 8, he mostly was utilized as Jalen Brunson’s backup. On the year, he averaged 6.9 points and 2.8 assists in 15.1 minutes, connecting on 36.3% of his three-point attempts.
In Game 1 of the opening round against the Detroit Pistons, Payne scored 14 points and nailed three three-pointers. He would only total 16 points over the ensuing 13 postseason contests. The 6-foot-3 guard was taken out of the rotation after Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Landry Shamet – Stay
Now 28 years old, Landry Shamet’s play in the Eastern Conference Finals may have helped him earn a second Knicks contract. He provided a lot of effort on the defensive end and hit seven three-pointers in the four games after he was re-inserted into the rotation.
The 6-foot-4 guard was signed to a minimum deal last offseason. The Knicks would likely love to bring him back on another minimum contract. In his seventh season, Shamet averaged career-lows in points (5.7) and minutes (15.2). He still shot 39.7% from beyond the arc during the regular season and 7-15 (46.7%) in the playoffs.
Delon Wright – Leave
Acquired by the Knicks at the trade deadline, Delon Wright started his Knicks tenure mostly glued to the bench. In late March/early April, with New York’s point guard rotation injured, he started five games. The 33-year-old performed admirably, and the Knicks went 4-1.
Wright has always been a solid defender, and after being out of the playoff rotation, he entered it in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With Payne also a free agent, the Knicks may look to upgrade and get younger at the backup point guard position.
Photo credit: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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