5 Pressing Questions Facing the Knicks

There are far more queries than consensus solutions in KnicksLand at the moment...

Last year, following the Knicks' disappointing loss to Indiana, I compiled an "Offseason To-Do List."

This year, the Knicks' season ended with another bitter defeat at the hands of the Pacers, but simply working up a "to-do list" won't suffice.

Last summer, most of the moves Leon Rose and the New York front office were expected to make were essentially no-brainers (such as attempting to get Jalen Brunson to ink an extension and trying to re-sign both OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein, etc.).

This summer, there is far more ambiguity.

We've already seen Rose and company make one weighty and controversial decision by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau.

As far as the roster is concerned, are they content to make only minor tweaks and run it back? Do they seriously consider trading Karl-Anthony Towns or Mikal Bridges with the anticipation that another blockbuster puts them over the top?

Reasonable and rational arguments can be made on both sides of the issue.

As noted over the weekend, there are far more queries than consensus solutions at the moment.

With that in mind, here are the five biggest questions facing the Knicks this offseason:

1. Does Leon Go Big Buck Hunting

When the Knicks ponied up for KAT and Bridges last summer, the hope was that the two stars would be the final pieces to the puzzle. Yet, despite advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals in the group's first year together, many fans and pundits remain unconvinced that this current iteration of the Knicks has what it takes to get over the hump. What does Leon Rose believe?

It seems likely that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will part ways this offseason. Dame Lillard is set to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign after tearing his Achilles last month. Milwaukee is capped out and has virtually no way to improve its roster via trades, as they have already sacrificed all available draft capital.

In May, ESPN reported that "for the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo is open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere."

At this point, it makes the most sense for both parties to "consciously uncouple." Milwaukee can kickstart a much-needed rebuild, and Giannis can compete for another title.

If the Bucks decide to put Antetokounmpo on the block and trade him to the team offering the best combination of players and unprotected picks, the Knicks don't have a chance. However, if Giannis approaches the front office and ownership, asking them to send him to a desired destination, then New York could be in the running (assuming the Knicks are his preferred landing spot). I'll delve into what NY could/should offer in a detailed post later this month.

Kevin Durant is also expected to find (another) new home after two exceptionally disappointing seasons with the Suns. Earlier this week, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported that Phoenix is "aggressive in pursuit of trading" Durant in an effort to "regain full control of their draft capital."

And yesterday, Shams went on record to state that Phoenix will engage in "serious conversations" about trading Durant before the NBA draft later this month, with 4-6 teams "seriously interested" in trading for KD.

It is worth noting that Shams reported back in February that the Knicks were one of five teams with mutual interest in a Durant swap at the deadline (the other four were the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets).

Again, if a bounty of picks is what the Suns are demanding in exchange for KD, then New York is out of luck. The Spurs and Rockets could blow the Knicks' top offer out of the water. However, if Phoenix is unable to find the package of picks they desire, might they consider reuniting Devin Booker with his college teammate and buddy, Karl-Anthony Towns?

2. Who Will be Tapped to Take the Reins?