Overview

• Reporters expect New York to trade salary before the season to open second‑apron room to keep more than one of Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews.
• As constructed, the Knicks can convert only a single non‑guaranteed camp deal to a standard roster spot under the $207.8 million hard cap.
• Confirmed additions Guerschon Yabusele (two years, $11.3 million taxpayer MLE) and Jordan Clarkson (veteran minimum) bolster bench scoring for Brown’s revamped offense.
• Achilles injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum have reshaped the East, elevating New York and Cleveland as the leading healthy contenders.
• Jalen Brunson warned against complacency heading into 2025–26, and analysts project a potential uptick for Mikal Bridges if Brown features him more offensively.