The options that the New York Knicks are considering to win the ring in 2026

In recent days, we've heard that the New York Knicks don't have much interest in dismantling the team through a Kevin Durant trade. However, they do have work ahead this summer to strengthen the roster.

According to James L. Edwards III at The Athletic, finances will be a concern as they will likely only have the $5.7 million mid-level salary exception to offer before filling out the roster with minimum contracts. Edwards suggests there are rumors of unnoticed free agents that the Knicks might be considering and that would fit into this plan:

Mid-Level Salary Exception: Luke Kennard

Kennard, a long-range shooting specialist, has spent the last two and a half seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, but his one-year, $9.2 million contract has expired. With an impressive 43.8% career three-point shooting percentage, he will be highly sought after this summer. In addition to his remarkable shooting, Kennard could serve as a second or third guard for New York, a skill they desperately need in their lineup according to Edwards.

Edwards acknowledges that the $5.7 million mid-level salary exception might not suffice, but being a CAA client, he speculates that New York and its CAA arsenal might work magic. Other options mentioned for the MLE if Kennard isn't signed are Spencer Dinwiddie, Trey Lyles, and Al Horford. Minimum contracts ($2.378 million for players with over 3 years of experience): Delon Wright, Landry Shamet.

Edwards' Take

Edwards suggests that it wouldn't be surprising if the Knicks re-sign Wright or Shamet. Highlighting the need for a second or third guard, 33-year-old Wright played 16.4 minutes off the bench in his 14 trial games with New York last season. He is a large combo guard who contributes slightly to playmaking and provides solid defense.

Shamet, a 28-year-old guard, played 50 games with the Knicks last season and has the ability to score from long range, boasting a 38.5% accuracy from beyond the arc in his career.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las opciones que barajan los New York Knicks para ganar el anillo en 2026