NBA Rumors: The 2 Players the New York Knicks Want to Strengthen Their Roster

The New York Knicks still have pending decisions to complete their roster for the 2026-27 season. The New York franchise, aiming to defend its title after winning the championship, is looking into how to fill its last available spot and has two names that have gained traction in the preseason: Bruce Brown and James Wiseman. According to journalist James Edwards, the former has a chance of staying, although the center seems to have taken the lead in the race for the final spot.

The team led by Mike Brown has retained much of the core that took them to the top, with Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart as pillars. In the summer, they also brought in Andre Drummond to bolster the interior game following Mitchell Robinson's departure. They are now looking to finalize the last details without compromising their financial flexibility.

Bruce Brown, a veteran who can still contribute

Brown, 30 years old, has accumulated eight seasons of NBA experience and was part of the championship-winning Denver Nuggets in 2023. His profile fits a roster that needs players capable of defending, moving without the ball, and bringing intensity without demanding too many possessions.

Last season, he played all 82 games with Denver, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and one steal per game, along with a 47.5% shooting percentage. He may not be a star or have a guaranteed leading role, but he would be a useful alternative to add depth to the rotation.

James Edwards considers it likely that Brown will find a spot in New York, although not necessarily before the official debut. The journalist summed it up: “I think they will find a way to retain him, whether now or later.”

James Wiseman gains traction for the last spot

Brown's main competition is at the center position. James Wiseman seems to have overtaken Tony Bradley in the fight for the last spot, according to Edwards' reports. The journalist highlighted that Wiseman was the first player without a guaranteed contract to come off the bench in the first preseason game and later started against Toronto.

The center took advantage of that opportunity with a notable performance against the Raptors: 18 points and 10 rebounds, with an 87.5% shooting accuracy. Selected as the number two pick in the 2020 Draft, Wiseman has not managed to establish himself in the NBA, but his recent opportunities in Indiana and his performance in the preseason have allowed him to once again attract attention.

However, Edwards warned that it's difficult to draw definitive conclusions without knowing everything that happens in training. Bradley has also put in good minutes and remains in the mix.

The Knicks will have to decide whether to prioritize Brown's experience and versatility or prefer to add size and athleticism with Wiseman. In any case, the franchise's intention is clear: to improve the depth of the roster without compromising their financial margin. In a season where defending the title will require maximum consistency, these low-cost moves may end up being more significant than they seem.

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