Four Possible Additions The New York Knicks Can Make

Dorian Finney-Smith

This feels like a bit of a reach, but it could happen. Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer reported that the Finney-Smith was “unlikely” to suit up for the Charlotte Hornets this year. The reason it could be a bit tough for him to reach free agency is because he is owed a substantial amount of money this year ($13.3 million). Waiving that amount of guaranteed money is not typical for a team to do before a season even starts, but moving that contract figure may be difficult for the Hornets to do. They have other players on the roster that are intriguing and it would make more sense for them to move on from a veteran that would be unlikely to receive playing time.

Finney-Smith would likely be highly sought after if he reached the open market, but he may be intrigued with New York after the recent championship. For New York, adding an additional wing that the team would be able to plug into the rotation could be an attractive option. Finney-Smith barely played for the Houston Rockets last season, but would be insurance against any injury to OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and/or Mikal Bridges. The team could even try flirting with lineups with him playing as a big to see how it would hold up in a playoff setting.

Jericho Sims

Reunited and it feels so good, right? Milwaukee seems to value Sims but they’re in a precarious situation. The roster is filled and they just took on a lot of young players in the recent trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. He could generate a bit of interest on the trade market, but it’s unlikely he would garner much in return.

For that reason a return to New York could be beneficial for both sides. Ariel Hukporti just earned a bit of a pay bump to join Philadelphia after getting some shine as the 3rd center on a championship team. That could be the blueprint for Sims to follow as he is set to become a free agent next summer. Sims has shown chemistry with Jalen Brunson in the past— posting a +5.8 rating over the course of nearly 600 possessions in 2024-25. His rim running would be a value add after the departure of Mitchell Robinson this offseason.

Moussa Cisse

Wouldn’t this be ironic? Obviously, the whispers out of Dallas have been that they will make some sort of move in order to hit the proper number of roster spots before the start of the regular season. They currently have 16 players under contract and not many options to cut players. They could stash 2026 1st round pick Sergio de Larrea but a 1st round pick hasn’t been stashed by an NBA team since the Minnesota Timberwolves did so with Leandro Bolmaro in 2020.

Cisse was offered a contract by the New York Knicks a few weeks ago but because he was a restricted free agent the Dallas Mavericks opted to match the deal. Part of his contract becomes guaranteed on September 1st meaning that the Mavericks may have to make a decision quickly in order to avoid being on the hook for part of his contract. They could work out a buyout with Klay Thompson, but there aren’t many options for them to choose from other than the wily veteran. Time will tell if they ultimately have to part with Cisse, especially if they want to avoid cutting guaranteed money.

Kris Murray

It’s rare that you find situations in which recent NBA 1st round picks are cut, but the Memphis Grizzlies are currently in a tough position. They have to let go of a few players before the start of the regular season and they have a glut of options that they can choose from. One option that they may opt to go in is Murray. The former Hawkeye was traded to Memphis during the Ja Morant deal a few weeks ago and is on the outside of the rotation right now.

Damichael Cole of the Commercial Appeal recently speculated what the Grizzlies may do to unclog the roster and Murray’s name was a name that was mentioned.

From both a financial and roster-construction standpoint, Russell, Murray, Clayton, Johnson and Gibson stand out as the players with the most uncertain futures. Memphis could waive one or more of them, negotiate a buyout or include them in a trade as it trims its roster before opening night.

Kris Murray was originally a draft pick that was owned by the Knicks, but was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as a part of the Josh Hart trade. His production has been minimal but he does have a shot diet that matches what the Knicks want to do. An elite 76 percent of his shots were taken either at the rim or as a corner three. The efficiency was lacking, but a makeover in a winning environment could be beneficial for his efficiency.