NBA analyst gives Knicks positive offseason grade, says ‘time was right’ for all-in move | Sporting News

The New York Knicks have had a busy offseason, spending big to build out a roster that should have a shot at competing for a title.

The Knicks kicked off the offseason by trading five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges, re-signing OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212 million deal, and signing Jalen Brunson to an incredibly team-friendly extension.

These moves earned them an “A-” from ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, who graded every team’s offseason.

Pelton wrote that the “time was right” for the Knicks to make their all-in trade, which was for Bridges. Although the Knicks paid a high price in the deal, it wasn’t clear if any game-changing superstars who fit the Knicks’ roster would become available. Instead, they went all-in for an elite 3-and-D wing who should slot in easily in the Knicks rotation.

As Pelton noted, Bridges’ relatively low salary, along with Brunson’s, keeps them financially flexible for the next two years.

The Knicks did lose center Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which was a big blow. However, they still have Mitchell Robinson, and the ability to make moves for another center with Precious Achiuwa.

As Pelton wrote, the Knicks have “enviable” depth at the other four positions.

Although the Knicks aren’t clear-cut title contenders, their offseason does put them in the mix to make the Eastern Conference Finals. Make the NBA’s Final Four, and anything can happen from there.

As ESPN’s Zach Lowe argued, the Knicks have a “plausible” path to a championship.

The Knicks might not be done making moves, but it’s already been a good summer.