Projecting the New York Knicks’ 2025-2026 Roster: Trade Targets, Core Stars, Draft Picks and Free Agency Surprises

The New York Knicks are entering the 2025-2026 NBA season with renewed hope and heightened expectations. After years of rebuilding, management under President Leon Rose and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has cultivated a competitive core built around toughness, defense, and team chemistry. Now, with the draft concluded and free agency ongoing, the Knicks’ potential roster is beginning to take shape.

While nothing is finalized until trades and signings are complete, a strong framework has emerged—one that positions the Knicks to contend in the Eastern Conference. Here’s a breakdown of what fans could expect from New York’s 2025-2026 roster.

The Core: Jalen Brunson Leads the Charge

The heart and soul of the Knicks remains Jalen Brunson. Coming off yet another All-Star-caliber campaign, Brunson has cemented himself as the face of the franchise. He averaged 27.8 points and 6.9 assists last season, steering the Knicks into the playoffs and elevating his reputation as one of the league’s premier point guards.

Barring a shocking trade, Brunson will once again start at point guard, flanked by returning teammates who have bought into Thibodeau’s physical style. His leadership on and off the court makes him invaluable—not just as a scorer but as a tone-setter.

Returning Veterans and Contracted Players

A handful of veterans are set to return, providing stability and continuity.

Julius Randle remains under contract, though trade rumors have hovered around him for months. When healthy, Randle is a double-double machine, capable of stretching the floor and shouldering offensive responsibility. The big question is whether his style complements Brunson’s in the long term.

Josh Hart, a glue guy and defensive ace, is under contract and expected to reprise his role as the team’s emotional engine and perimeter stopper. His chemistry with Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo gives the Knicks an edge in transition and hustle plays.

Donte DiVincenzo, after a breakout year as a starter, is primed to continue his upward trajectory. A strong two-way guard who can shoot the three and guard multiple positions, DiVincenzo’s energy fits perfectly within Thibodeau’s system.

Mitchell Robinson is returning, though questions about his durability persist. When healthy, he anchors the defense with shot-blocking and rebounding, but his offensive limitations and history of injury make him a possible trade piece or bench role candidate.

Young Pieces to Build Around

RJ Barrett was traded to the Raptors in the OG Anunoby deal, and with that move, the Knicks turned a page. Still, several young talents remain or have joined the fold.

Miles McBride, a defensive-minded guard, showed flashes of brilliance last season and has earned Thibodeau’s trust. His potential as a secondary playmaker could earn him more minutes in the rotation.

Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein—if re-signed—offer frontcourt depth. Sims provides athleticism and shot-blocking, while Hartenstein’s playmaking and touch around the rim give the Knicks versatility at center.

2025 NBA Draft Picks

The Knicks held the 21st and 38th picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. With those selections, they added:

• Jaylen Wells, a 6’8″ forward out of Washington State, known for his fluid scoring ability and versatile defense. Wells adds youth and upside to the wing rotation. He has the tools to be a future starter if developed properly.

• Trevor Smith, a 6’2″ guard from the University of Houston, is a combo guard with elite quickness and scoring instincts. He’ll likely begin in a developmental role, perhaps spending time with the Westchester Knicks in the G League.

Both rookies provide long-term value and low-cost contracts, a valuable combination for a team juggling salary cap considerations.

Free Agency and Trade Outlook

The Knicks entered free agency with flexibility, thanks to expiring deals and mid-level exceptions. One of their major moves so far has been the aggressive pursuit of OG Anunoby, whom they acquired last season and are expected to re-sign on a lucrative multi-year contract. Anunoby brings elite wing defense and timely shot-making—key components of New York’s postseason success.

Another looming question: will the Knicks make a big splash?

Rumors have swirled around New York’s interest in several All-Star caliber players, including Karl-Anthony Towns, Brandon Ingram, and Mikal Bridges. So far, no blockbuster has materialized, but don’t count the Knicks out. Their war chest of draft picks and young assets positions them as a potential player in any major trade.

The most logical move might involve Julius Randle and/or Evan Fournier’s expiring contract. If New York can flip those assets for a two-way wing or stretch big, the roster balance would greatly improve. Fournier, who has been out of the rotation, remains a trade piece with value as salary filler.

Projected Depth Chart (As of Now)

PG: Jalen Brunson | Miles McBride | Trevor Smith
SG: Donte DiVincenzo | Josh Hart
SF: OG Anunoby | Jaylen Wells
PF: Julius Randle | Jericho Sims
C: Mitchell Robinson | Isaiah Hartenstein (if re-signed)

This rotation reflects the core roster, assuming no further trades or major signings. Should New York execute a blockbuster deal—say for Towns or Ingram—the entire depth chart could shift dramatically.

X-Factors for the 2025-2026 Season

Health is paramount. Injuries to key players like Randle, Robinson, and Anunoby derailed the Knicks’ playoff run last year. Keeping the core healthy is essential for regular season success and postseason viability.

Chemistry remains a strength, thanks to Brunson’s leadership and Thibodeau’s system. The coaching staff has kept players bought in, even when injuries thinned the rotation.

Defense is the team’s calling card. With Hart, Anunoby, DiVincenzo, and Robinson, New York has one of the best defensive units in the East when locked in.

Bench scoring must improve. The Knicks struggled at times to generate points when Brunson sat. Look for McBride and one of the rookies to step into meaningful scoring roles off the bench.

The Eastern Conference remains a battlefield, with teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat reloading for another title run. If the Knicks are to compete with the best, they must solidify their rotation, avoid key injuries, and possibly make one more strategic addition.

Still, the team has laid a strong foundation. With Jalen Brunson’s prime in full swing and a blend of veteran grit and youthful promise, New York is poised to stay relevant deep into the postseason. The 2025-2026 campaign may be the season when all the pieces come together—or when the front office decides to push all their chips into the center of the table.

Whatever happens between now and October’s tipoff, one thing is certain: Madison Square Garden will be buzzing with anticipation. And the Knicks faithful, long starved for a title, have every reason to believe this could finally be their time.