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Missed Opportunity?
As the 2025-26 season unfolds with the New York Knicks at 16-4 and second in the Eastern Conference, expectations are soaring in Manhattan. But behind the scenes, New Yorks’s Front office has missed on several high on the list trade targets – including Donte DiVincenzo, Alex Caruso, Dillon Brooks and Coby White. Each would have bolstered depth, defence and shooting (a real premium on a championship contender) yet none materialised. What that tells us about the Knicks’ roster construction and aspirations is fascinating.
Starting the season strongly demonstrates the Knicks’ core is already strong, so why do these misses matter, if at all?
DONTE DIVINCENZO - A proven 3-and-D wing that would have filled the defensive deficiencies in the back court that Jaden McDaniels has been filling out of necessity. Reportedly what was going to be an over pay for a role player, the Knicks were keen to make this happen just to get on the front foot moving deeper into the season.
ALEX CARUSO - A rugged perimeter defender and play maker, also filling the desired needs and playing crucial back up minutes to Josh giddey. The Front office opened up dialogue, but never really heard much back to start a negotiation that could land him in the big apple.
DILLON BROOKS - A brutal, pesky defender who opponents hate matching up against. The aggressive nature of which would have made this nice team more feared. Some good positive talks but sacrificing key role players along with other assets just to get to the required salary meant the Knicks had to rethink the approach.
COBY WHITE - Although not adding the defensive grunt that the team has been on the look out for, his ability to score big was looked at for added fire power from the bench unit. Although late to the party, the Knicks thought their offer was strong, but not the direction the Hawks front office wanted to take.
The theme of the trade targets is evident, the team know where they could potentially fall throughout the season and have continued to address it. Currently filling the void (very well so far) is Jaylon Tyson, and Rookie Tre Johnson.
The coaches have been impressed with both players adapting quickly , but to rely on players so young and inexperienced at the pivotal point of the season could be the Knicks downfall this.
So what will GM Smokey do next? Assuming Smokey leans on the Knicks’ front office leadership team, here is what they must consider going forward.
With misses on the above-mentioned targets, the team know what they are looking for. The team need not waver from the goal already laid out. Don’t sacrifice future flexibility or make moves that would been seen as an overpay when the structure of the core is already proving to be a title contender.
As the Knicks always do, the door will be left open to consider things like developing within, hitting the market for mid-level shooters/defenders even making bolder moves if a second star becomes available. Either way, the Knicks are in good shape so far, and will continue to make the right decisions for the franchise.
