Knicks Battling Rival Teams in Final Free Agent Push to Add Key Depth Piece Before 2024-25 NBA Season Tips Off
The New York Knicks have made significant strides during the 2024 offseason, solidifying their status as one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference. They’ve locked up OG Anunoby, added Mikal Bridges in a bold trade, and maintained the core group that helped elevate the team to contention. But despite the solid work already done, the Knicks aren’t finished — not yet. According to league sources and media reports, New York is still actively pursuing one more free agent to round out its roster. The catch? They’re not alone in the chase.
As of late July, the Knicks front office, led by Leon Rose, is operating with urgency and precision. The goal is simple: add a versatile piece who can bolster the bench, offer two-way play, and step up in the playoffs if needed. But competition is fierce. Several contending teams — including the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks — are circling the same names on the free agent market, many of whom are seeking both the right fit and the best opportunity to contribute on a winning team.
The Knicks’ current roster is deep, but they’re looking for one more impact role player — a swingman or hybrid guard/forward who can defend multiple positions, shoot the three, and operate without disrupting the team’s offensive flow. The ideal addition would complement Jalen Brunson, allow Thibodeau to mix and match defensive lineups, and bring playoff-tested toughness to a team with championship aspirations.
Names being closely monitored by the Knicks include Kelly Oubre Jr., Derrick Jones Jr., Gary Harris, and even a potential reunion with Alec Burks. Each offers a slightly different skill set but fits the mold of a player who could thrive in Thibodeau’s system.
Oubre is one of the top remaining free agents and brings athleticism, size, and scoring. After a solid season with the Sixers, where he averaged over 15 points per game and played with defensive intensity, Oubre has re-established himself as a viable rotation piece on a contender. He’s being pursued by multiple teams, but the Knicks can offer a defined role, playoff exposure, and a winning environment. The question is whether Oubre prefers a bigger offensive role elsewhere — a decision that could swing the balance in New York’s favor or eliminate them from contention entirely.
Derrick Jones Jr., fresh off a Western Conference Finals run with Dallas, is another prime candidate. He’s long, switchable, and active on defense — all traits that would thrive in Thibodeau’s system. Jones doesn’t need the ball to impact the game, and his ability to defend multiple positions would make him a valuable asset in playoff matchups against teams like Boston or Milwaukee. The Mavericks would love to retain him, but cap constraints and roster shifts may open the door for New York.
Gary Harris presents a more veteran option. While his offensive numbers have dipped in recent seasons, he remains a respected perimeter defender with playoff experience. He’s also a career 37.1% shooter from three-point range — a valuable tool on a team that’s still looking to improve its floor spacing. Harris isn’t flashy, but he’s dependable, and he wouldn’t require heavy minutes or usage to be effective. Teams like Philadelphia and Sacramento are also in the mix, but the Knicks’ defensive identity could make them a more attractive landing spot.
Alec Burks is familiar with Madison Square Garden, having played two successful stints with the Knicks. A combo guard with the ability to create his own shot and defend wings, Burks fits the mold of a Thibodeau favorite. His versatility would give the Knicks more flexibility, especially if Immanuel Quickley is moved in a larger trade. Burks’ potential return could come down to financial terms and his willingness to take on a slightly reduced role compared to previous seasons.
Then there are the dark horse candidates — players who aren’t making headlines but could quietly prove to be the missing link for the Knicks’ rotation. Names like Torrey Craig, Delon Wright, or even Will Barton could surface as viable options. These are players who have been in high-leverage situations, know how to compete, and bring the kind of grit and adaptability that playoff basketball demands.
The market is tight, and competition is intense. Teams like Miami are also scouring the free agent pool after falling short in big-name pursuits. The Heat are notorious for selling their “culture,” which remains a draw for veterans looking to revive or solidify their careers. The Lakers, looking to bolster their bench behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, are in a similar situation. They have a defined core but limited cap space, which puts them in direct competition with New York for minimum or mid-level exception deals.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, is in transition. With Joel Embiid reportedly buying into Nick Nurse’s vision and Tyrese Maxey stepping into a leadership role, the Sixers are hunting for high-IQ veterans who can help them stay afloat in a brutal Eastern Conference. A wing or combo guard who can shoot and defend — the exact type of player New York is targeting — is also at the top of Philadelphia’s list.
The Knicks, however, have a unique selling point. Unlike many teams still searching for identity, New York knows exactly who they are: a physical, defensive-minded group that plays through Jalen Brunson’s pace, thrives on offensive rebounds, and wears teams down with effort and cohesion. That clarity can be incredibly appealing to a veteran player seeking structure and purpose.
There’s also the Madison Square Garden effect. Playing in New York, under the brightest lights in basketball, is still a major draw for players who want visibility and recognition. For a free agent on a one-year “prove-it” deal, few places offer a better platform than MSG. Add to that the growing chemistry within the Knicks’ locker room, particularly the Villanova trio of Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo, and it becomes clear why New York is viewed as a strong cultural fit for potential additions.
Financially, the Knicks have tools at their disposal. While not flush with cap space, they have access to the taxpayer mid-level exception and several veteran minimum slots. Smart cap management has kept them flexible without sacrificing talent. If they truly want to land a specific free agent, they can make a competitive offer, especially if that player’s market has cooled and priorities shift toward fit and opportunity over money.
The Knicks are also aware of what’s ahead. The Eastern Conference is more competitive than ever, with Boston loading up for another title run, Milwaukee still a threat with Giannis and Dame, and Cleveland and Indiana on the rise. New York can’t afford to enter the season a piece short. They’ve built a strong foundation, but injuries, matchups, and playoff adversity require depth — the kind of depth that comes from adding the right final piece in free agency.
There’s also the looming shadow of the trade deadline. New York has remained active in the star trade rumor mill, particularly when it comes to names like Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Donovan Mitchell. While those situations remain fluid, the front office knows the value of being prepared. Signing a free agent now doesn’t just improve the team — it positions the Knicks to make a bigger move later, without sacrificing rotation strength.
With training camp approaching and rosters beginning to crystallize across the league, the next few weeks could be pivotal. The Knicks are playing the long game, but they’re also fully aware of the urgency of the moment. The right signing now could mean the difference between a 50-win regular season and a deep playoff run. It could mean survival in a Game 6 or Game 7 when matchups tighten and rotations shrink.
One more move. That’s all the Knicks believe they need to complete a roster that has grown from underdog to contender in just a few seasons. The competition is fierce, the options are narrowing, but New York is in the hunt — and they know exactly what they’re chasing. A player who defends. A player who fits. A player who helps turn potential into legacy. The clock is ticking, and the race is on.
