What Offseason Acquisitions Should the 2026-27 Knicks Look For?
The New York Knicks are NBA Champions for the first time in 53 years, and for the next few weeks, the focus around Madison Square Garden will be on celebrating one of the greatest accomplishments in franchise history. While the players, coaches, and fans enjoy the moment, the front office has already shifted some attention toward the future. With the starting lineup to remain intact and the team's recent draft picks under contract, the biggest challenge facing President of Basketball Operations Leon Rose is figuring out how to retain a veteran bench unit that played a critical role throughout the championship run. Key contributors such as Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Jeremy Sochan are all entering uncertain contract situations, and New York may have to venture into the second apron to keep the roster together for the 2026-27 season.
Of those players, Robinson and Shamet appear to be the most important free agents for the Knicks to retain, as they became the leaders of the second unit. Robinson delivered arguably the biggest offensive rebound in franchise history during the NBA Finals, while Shamet emerged as one of the league's most reliable postseason shooters, missing just one three-pointer during the Eastern Conference Finals. If either player departs, New York will need contingency plans. Daniel Gafford could be an intriguing trade target as an athletic rim-running center who excels as a shot blocker and lob threat. Another option is Robert Williams III, whose defensive instincts and athleticism could thrive in a reduced role behind Karl-Anthony Towns. On the perimeter, former Knick Tim Hardaway Jr. could provide scoring punch and veteran leadership after finishing among the contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year Award during the 2025-26 season.
While Jose Alvarado is widely expected to exercise his player option and remain in New York, the Knicks still have alternatives should unexpected changes arise. Villanova product Collin Gillespie would fit seamlessly into the culture built by fellow Wildcats Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. Gillespie's defensive toughness and high basketball IQ make him an attractive depth option. If Clarkson chooses to pursue a larger contract elsewhere after winning his first championship, Bruce Brown Jr. could be a logical replacement. Brown has championship experience from his time with the Denver Nuggets and brings versatility that would allow head coach Mike Brown to deploy him in multiple roles. In the frontcourt, Marvin Bagley III could be an affordable option to replace Sochan's minutes after he was added post-NBA Trade Deadline, providing depth at both power forward and center.
Even if the Knicks are unable to retain every member of their championship roster, the organization remains in an excellent position moving forward. This front office has consistently identified undervalued veterans and placed them in situations where they can succeed, something evidenced by the resurgence of players such as Shamet during the title run. While not every acquisition works out, such as Guerschon Yabusele, New York has built a culture that attracts winning players and maximizes talent. Despite entering the offseason with championship odds trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics, the Knicks have every reason to believe they can defend their title. With Mike Brown now an NBA Championship-winning coach and the core of the roster still under contract, New York appears poised to make another deep NBA Playoffs run and potentially return to the NBA Finals in 2027.
