As the New York Knicks enter the 2025 off-season, there are several directions they can go. Coming off a surprising Eastern Conference Finals run in which they disposed of the defending champion Boston Celtics in six games, they could decide to stand pat. Running it back with the same team with little to no tweaks may seem plausible. Maybe the front office can convince themselves that if Tyrese Haliburton‘s Game 1 shot doesn’t bounce in, the Knicks are playing in the NBA Finals right now. They wouldn’t necessarily be wrong, but opening 2025-26 with an identical rotation would be a huge mistake.
New York will likely see how good the top of the NBA is and realize they need to upgrade their roster for next season. If they do, certain players could be on the chopping block this summer.
These 4 Knicks Could Be Trade Candidates
Now, you might wonder why the Knicks wouldn’t simply add some depth through free agent signings. After all, they were essentially a seven-man rotation throughout the playoffs, save for some spot minutes from Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, Delon Wright, and Precious Achiuwa. The new coach is likely to be more trusting of his role players than the notoriously stubborn Tom Thibodeau. So, the Knicks should look to sign an eighth and ninth man whom they trust.
The issue with that theory is that NY is already $3.8M over the first salary cap apron for 2025-26 with their existing contracts. They’re just $8M away from the infamous second apron, which would give them zero roster flexibility over the next couple of seasons. If we assume New York wants to avoid the second apron for financial and roster construction reasons, they only have around $8M to play with. So, if Leon Rose wants to make significant upgrades to this team, it likely will come at least somewhat through trades.
1. Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges is first on this list simply because his low salary allows the Knicks to match certain trade targets. Currently, all the buzz surrounds Jaren Jackson Jr., whose Memphis Grizzlies just traded Desmond Bane, signaling a possible rebuild. If Jackson, an impending free agent in 2026, is on the market this summer, New York might pounce. If so, Bridges’ $24.9M contract is a perfect asset to send to Memphis for Jackson’s $23.4M. Bridges could also be included in a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
I still find it unlikely that the Knicks will want to move Bridges after just one season, but they might be forced to in order to complete a deal.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns
Similarly to Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns could be on the trade block after just one year in NYC because his salary can match that of Giannis. Although a deal can be formed around OG Anunoby and salary filler, KAT is the most likely to be dealt if the Knicks take a huge swing on the Greek Freak. There are also questions about his long-term pairing with Jalen Brunson due to both guys’ defensive deficiencies. Just as with Bridges, it’s likely that Towns returns to the Knicks, but he’s certainly not safe.
3. Josh Hart
Of everyone on the Knicks’ roster, Josh Hart is the player I’d most consider trading. Despite his relentless energy and tremendous all-around value to the team making him a fan favorite, Hart was New York’s most damaging rotation player in 2025. He had a negative on/off rating last season and was neutral in the playoffs. Many of NY’s worst lineups in the playoffs featured Hart, and it was obvious to see why: his inability to take and make open threes forced the Knicks to play four-on-five offense. When he loses focus defensively off the ball, as he did throughout the postseason, it becomes that much worse.
If Hart brings a newfound confidence in his jumpshot to next season and re-engages defensively, he will still be a positive player for this team. A new coach who lowers his workload will also help. With that said, I’d shop him to see if Rose can turn his $19.5M salary into one or two role players who fit the squad better.
4. Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson is on this list for three reasons. He’s injury-prone, an upcoming free agent in 2026, and has a tradable contract. Robinson has missed 65 and 51 games the past two seasons, and big men don’t get healthier with age. New York’s already thin rotation might need someone more reliable as the backup center. He’s also eligible for an extension as he begins the final year of his contract, making him an instant trade candidate. Lastly, his $13M salary is an attractive asset in a trade. He might just have to be included in a blockbuster deal if the Knicks make one.
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