Knicks News: $113 Million ‘Gift’ Helps Leon Rose Secure 27YO Star but NY’s Glaring Issue Remains Unanswered

The New York Knicks continue to have one of the best offseasons out of all the franchises! After their second-round exit this past postseason, the Knicks have added some crucial assets to their roster. Jalen Brunson, who’s considered the greatest point guard in the East by many, has been the center of the franchise. However, despite his emphatic performance as a Knick, the 28-year-old sacrificed a lucrative extension. Brunson recently signed a four-year, $156 million contract with the Knicks. Had he waited another season, Brunson would have been eligible for a five-year, $269 million deal. But this sacrifice led to the addition of much-needed players.

After trading for a talented scorer, Mikal Bridges, Leon Rose added yet another backup shooter to the Knicks roster. Landry Shamet (27) the former member of the Phoenix Suns will rock his Knicks jersey next season. Shamet recently played for the Wizards alongside Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole. However, he spent his best years in Phoenix and Brooklyn, averaging 8.7 points, 1.8 assists, and shooting over 37% from three. Now, Shamet is a great catch-and-shoot player who can balance on both ends of the floor.

Now, as valuable of an addition as Shamet may be, the Knicks are still missing out on one key asset. At the end of the day, New York has sufficient scorers. If anything, the squad is a problem in the East when it comes to offensive potential. But the Knicks are lacking size in the paint! And believe it or not, it is an alarming issue. Isaiah Hartenstein was a reliable big man who was a solid rim protector in New York. However, the seven-footer signed with the Thunder this offseason. Since then, the Knicks haven’t been able to replace him despite their solid additions.

OG Anunoby is a great defender and paired quite well with Hartenstein. On the other hand, Micthell Robinson is the only center the Knicks might be left with. But then again, Robinson averaged under 25 minutes a game last season, which isn’t a good sign. While Thibodeau can look to use him more, the front office should be looking to add a dominant presence in the paint right? Well, in-season transactions are not going to be easy for New York.

The New York Knicks are suffering due to the first apron limit

For this upcoming season, the Knicks have crossed the first apron with a combined team salary of $181.3 million. Now, this means that the franchise cannot trade for players unless the salaries are matched dollar to dollar. This makes it even tougher to find a reliable center. There is no doubt that Brunson’s sacrifice has helped a lot, but the Knicks are finding it extremely hard to capitalize on it when it comes to adding missing spots on the team.

The New York Knicks finished second in the East, 14 games behind the Celtics. They are still on track to become the toppers of the Conference, as many believe, but a considerable presence in the paint can heavily solidify their roster for the playoffs. It will be interesting to see whether the Knicks pull the strings in the middle of the season, as they search for big men around the league. What are your thoughts on the Knicks? Do you think they can top the East over Boston? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.