2024-25 Team Outlook: New Additions Bolster Knicks’ Foundation

New York Knicks 2024-25 Preview: Depth, Defense, and Versatility Ready to Challenge Boston in the East

The Knicks have built a roster with the depth, defensive strength, and versatility needed to compete with the Celtics for dominance in the Eastern Conference.

Key Re-signings: Precious Achiuwa, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Jacob Toppin
New Additions: Keita Bates-Diop (trade), Mikal Bridges (trade), Cameron Payne (free agency), Karl-Anthony Towns (trade)
Draft Picks: Pacome Dadiet (No. 25), Tyler Kolek (No. 34), Kevin McCullar Jr. (No. 56), Ariel Hukporti (No. 58)

2023-24 Season Review:
The Knicks enjoyed one of their most successful seasons in decades, winning 50 games, featuring All-NBA star Jalen Brunson, and securing a solid bench. A key midseason trade for OG Anunoby bolstered their run to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they ultimately fell in Game 7 to the Indiana Pacers. Despite Julius Randle’s season-ending injury in January, coach Tom Thibodeau’s team reignited excitement at Madison Square Garden and showed true contender potential.

Offseason Summary:
President Leon Rose made bold moves this summer, pulling off major trades to further strengthen the roster. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Nets, albeit costly in future draft picks, added the defensive and offensive boost the Knicks needed. Rose followed this by trading Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns, addressing the team’s frontcourt needs with Towns’ versatility and floor-stretching ability, perfectly complementing Brunson.

Brunson’s 4-year, $156 million extension and Anunoby’s 5-year, $212 million deal ensure the Knicks’ core remains intact. While losing Isaiah Hartenstein hurts, the Knicks may fill the backup center role by the trade deadline.

Departures: Bojan Bogdanovic (Nets), Alec Burks (Heat), Mamadi Diakite (Nets), Donte DiVincenzo (Timberwolves), Isaiah Hartenstein (Thunder), Shake Milton (Nets), Julius Randle (Timberwolves)
Unsigned Free Agents: Charlie Brown Jr., DaQuan Jeffries, Duane Washington Jr.

Rookie Profile: Spotlight on

Mitchell Robinson is set to return after yet another injury setback. He will serve as the defensive anchor for a team that shares a division with top talents like Joel Embiid and the Sixers, Kristaps Porzingis and the Celtics, as well as Bam Adebayo and the Heat. The key question remains: can Robinson maintain his health?

How far can the Knicks go?

Has it truly been five decades since the last championship parade down Broadway? Since then, the franchise has endured heartbreak, years of poor management, and the dominance of Michael Jordan. However, the Knicks have transformed from one “H” word—hell—to another—hope. A championship is now a realistic ambition for a team designed to succeed. With players like Brunson, Towns, Anunoby, Bridges, Josh Hart, and Miles McBride, the team boasts depth, strong defense, and the capability to thrive in both half-court and fast-paced scenarios. The Knicks could very well emerge as Boston’s biggest threat in the Eastern Conference.