The Knicks were once deep. Now, after the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, they’re paper-thin.
In exchange for Towns, New York are sending Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a protected first-round pick to Minnesota. While the move forms a formidable starting five — Towns, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart — Knicks bench is now a glaring weakness in a conference stacked with elite teams.
DEPTH CHART OVERVIEW
Guards: Brunson, Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, Tyler Kolek (rookie), Landry Shamet (non-guaranteed)
Brunson will carry the load at point guard, but trading away DiVincenzo leaves the backcourt thin. McBride recently inked a three-year, $13 million extension following the Immanuel Quickley trade. Hart may slide into a bigger role, but his inconsistent three-point shooting needs to improve to support the Knicks’ pace-and-space system. Shamet could fill DiVincenzo’s shoes as a three-and-D option, but the Knicks might still need a backcourt upgrade.
Bigs: Towns, Mitchell Robinson (injured), Precious Achiuwa, Jericho Sims
With Robinson out until December or January, Towns will anchor the five. The Knicks re-signed Achiuwa, but his trade eligibility after Dec. 15 suggests he’s not guaranteed to stay. Without much depth behind Towns, frontcourt help is a pressing need.
Wings: Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, Marcus Morris Sr. (non-guaranteed), Pacome Dadiet (rookie)
Anunoby, Bridges and Hart provide elite wing defense, but depth is an issue. Morris Sr. could play a bigger role, though his form remains a question, and Dadiet hasn’t proven himself enough for regular minutes.
HOW KNICKS STACK UP IN THE EAST
A quick survey of other Eastern Conference contenders underscored the need for another deal for a Knicks team in hopes of competing for a title.
Celtics: Boston sets the standard, with a dominant starting five of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis. Add veterans like Al Horford and Payton Pritchard, and the Celtics’ depth outmatches the Knicks.
76ers: Philly boasts a new Big 3 with Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. Surrounding them are capable veterans like Caleb Martin, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, making the Sixers a serious contender.
Bucks: Milwaukee, with a healthy Giannis Antetokotunmpo and Damian Lillard alongside Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, added solid depth with Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince. Their bench, featuring young talent, gives them a well-rounded roster
Pacers: Indiana remains one of the deepest teams in the league, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. They have the roster depth to outrun opponents and pose a real threat in the East.
Magic and Cavaliers: Orlando strengthened by adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, while the Cavs hired Kenny Atkinson to unlock Evan Mobley’s potential. Both teams aim for deep playoff runs.
WHERE DO THE KNICKS STAND?
The Knicks clearly have an elite starting lineup, but their lack of depth makes them vulnerable against Eastern Conference powerhouses.
With Isaiah Hartenstein headed to Oklahoma City, and with Randle and DiVincenzo on a charter flight to the Twin Cities, the Knicks lack the championship-level support needed to compete.
And without adding quality depth, New York’s title aspirations could be in jeopardy, though Leon Rose’s front office has appeared two steps ahead when constructing a roster built to contend for a championship.
