Overview

• New York must decide by June 29 on team options and qualifying offers for players like P.J. Tucker and Ariel Hukporti to preserve roster flexibility.
• Front office evaluations of Luke Kornet and Al Horford aim to address the interior defense void left by Isaiah Hartenstein on cost-controlled deals.
• Sources say the Knicks have checked in on Chris Paul for bench leadership and playmaking under cap constraints without demanding heavy scoring duties.
• Trade discussions around Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges have intensified as the club looks to free up salary for veteran role players in a post-Thibodeau era.
• A looming head coaching decision is expected to influence the final roster mix as New York balances second-apron rules with veteran depth additions.