The New York Knicks have made history. How can they prolong their success?
In the 2nd apron era, parity is a given. In recent years, it has gotten more and more difficult for teams to remain NBA champions for more than 1 season. Due to salary restrictions and historic levels of player movement, NBA teams struggle to maintain consistent championship-level cores. Teams must rely on smaller and less effective moves to avoid increasing their salary, and often have to give out draft picks to remain competitive. So when will we finally see a team overcome these challenges, and for the first time since the Golden State Warriors, repeat as NBA champions?
The New York Knicks have made history.
They have finally captured that elusive title that has eluded them for over 50 years.
After years of different championship cores, including all-time greats like Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony, they have finally won a championship following one of the most unexpected and dominant playoff runs in recent history.
But their core is built on sand. It was only possible because Jalen Brunson accepted a historic $113 million pay cut to stay in New York.
Hefty contracts such as those of Karl-Anthony-Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges have contributed to the Knicks losing key pieces such as Mitchell Robinson. And with little flexibility to replace these pieces, their depth, alongside their championship hopes, is slowly deteriorating.
Championship windows don't close all at once. They erode. One trusted role player leaves. One contract becomes too expensive. One injury exposes a lack of depth. Before long, the team that looked unbeatable six months earlier is fighting to survive.
So how can they replenish their depth?
The answer is piece by piece, slowly but surely.
They currently sit $7.7 million over the 1st apron, with little draft capital to work with. So they need to be smart, meticulously using their assets to fill as many holes as possible.
They currently have far too many guards off the bench. Guys like Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Duece McBride, and Jose Alvarado risk being buried in the rotation despite being very capable role-players, with other positions like the Small Forward lacking a true backup.
So what's the plan?
Offload at least 2 of their backup guards, and in return, receive 2 players who can fill the backup forward positions, while dropping salary and using little draft capital.
This may seem like a big ask, but there is a path to achieve this.
How will they do it?
What they should do:
3-team trade:
Charlotte Hornets receive: (G) Pacome Dadiet, 2027 2nd-round pick (via NYK), 2030 2nd-round pick (via GSW)
Golden State Warriors receive: (G) Miles McBride, (G) Jordan Clarkson
New York Knicks receive: (F) Gui Santos, (G) Sion James
Free Agency:
Sign (F) Jeremy Sochan to a 1-year minimum
Why this works:
This is quite the stunner, but it all makes sense.
In a 3-team trade including the Golden State Warriors and the Charlotte Hornets, the Knicks give up Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, Pacome Dadiet, and a 2nd-round pick, and get back Gui Santos and Sion James.
Let's start with what's given up.
It may seem odd for the Knicks to trade Miles McBride, considering he is a young guard who has rapidly improved as a backup option, but when you look at the context, it makes perfect sense.
McBride has 1 year left on his contract, and when the offseason comes, he will either sign with a different team or expect a hefty payday from the Knicks, especially since he is their only promising young piece. So capitalizing on his expiring deal this season is a smart decision.
The Knicks then give up Jordan Clarkson, who brings veteran leadership and a scoring punch to the Warriors, and also clears up the logjam at the backup guard position. And finally, the Knicks move on from Pacome Dadiet, with a 2nd-round pick attached to clear salary.
In exchange, New York gets back two great backup options.
In his 68 games with the Warriors this season, Gui Santos has shown he can provide a great offensive punch and lead your bench scoring.
He slots in well at the backup power forward and fits well with the team as a spacing forward.
The Knicks also receive Sion James, who, in his rookie season, displayed his excellent feel for the game and his ability to fill gaps in your lineup. He is best described as a glue guy who can defend the perimeter, space the floor, and provide backup ball handling. He is also only 23 years old and has plenty of time to improve his game.
Is this enough to truly prolong the Knicks' championship window?
With a tough Eastern Conference, New York needs to fire on all cylinders if they want to end the era of parity finally.
The hardest part wasn't winning the championship. It is earning another chance to defend it. In today's NBA, dynasties aren't built through superstar trades. They're built through dozens of small decisions that keep a roster alive one season longer than everyone else.
New York Knicks potential 2026-27 starting lineup + bench:
PG: Jalen Brunson SG: Mikal Bridges SF: Josh Hart PF: OG Anunoby C: Karl-Anthony Towns
G: Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, Tyler Kolek F: Sion James, Gui Santos, Jeremy Sochan C: Andre Drummond