Why new-look Knicks are threat to Celtics' dominance in East
Jalen Brunson.
The New York Knicks have constructed a formidable lineup that could unseat the champion Boston Celtics, who have made three straight appearances in the Eastern Conference finals.
In a bold move Wednesday, the Knicks traded five first-round picks and Bojan Bogdanovic to Brooklyn to acquire their fourth former Villanova player, Mikal Bridges.
Additionally, New York agreed with 3-and-D forward OG Anunoby on a five-year, $212.5M contract that includes a player option for the final season, according to ESPN.
By strengthening their wing position and adding depth with Bridges, the Knicks have significantly bolstered their rotation. In the conference semifinals, the Knicks lost in seven games, in part, because of injuries to starter Jalen Brunson (broken left hand in Game 7) and Josh Hart, who played through an abdominal injury.
Next season, the Knicks appear poised to challenge the kings of the East.
New York's projected starting lineup includes Brunson (28.7 PPG in 2023-24), Bridges (19.6 PPG), Anunoby (14.7 PPG), Julius Randle (24 PPG) and Mitchell Robinson (5.6 PPG). This core is supported by a deep bench featuring Donte DiVincenzo, Hart, Miles McBride, Alec Burks, rookie guard Tyler Kolek, rookie wing Kevin McCullar and rookie center Ariel Hukporti.
More tweaks could be coming.
After the re-upping of Anunoby, it's unlikely backup center Isaiah Hartenstein will return unless he takes a major pay cut. The team also has the option to retain restricted free agent Precious Achiuwa, who would add more depth and flexibility to the roster.
The revamped Knicks have the depth, experience and talent to make a strong run at winning the Eastern Conference finals and a realistic shot at reaching the NBA Finals. Oddsmakers agree, with FanDuel giving the Knicks the third-best chance to win the Finals at +850, trailing only the reigning champion Celtics at +300 and Denver Nuggets at +750.
The Knicks front office has clearly signaled its commitment to building a championship-contending team capable of challenging, and perhaps unseating, the Celtics. The stage is set for a shift in the balance of the Eastern Conference.
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