With the NBA trade deadline now behind us, the Knicks have the opportunity to explore the veteran buyout market—though the effectiveness of adding an aging player, especially under the demanding coaching of Thomas Thibodeau, is up for debate.
Regardless, New York still has one open roster spot and the financial flexibility to fill its 15th slot.
Key Deadline for Playoff Eligibility
Any player the Knicks sign today will be eligible to play in the postseason, but anyone signed after Sunday will not.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the frontrunner to secure a deal with the Knicks for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs is current Dallas Mavericks center Moses Brown, who previously played for the G League’s Westchester Knicks.
“With Ariel Hukporti out for several weeks and the Knicks’ center position — while getting healthier soon with the impending return of Mitchell Robinson — rather thin at the moment, one player on New York’s radar to fill its 15th roster spot is Moses Brown.” — SNY’s Robert Sanchez and Ian Begley.
Knicks’ Cap Situation and Depth Concerns
Restricted by the second-apron all season, the Knicks now have $540,127 in cap space—just enough to sign a player to a rest-of-season minimum-salary contract, as explained by Luke Adams of HoopsRumors.
New York’s frontcourt depth has been a concern after trading Jericho Sims and losing rookie Ariel Hukporti to a knee injury earlier this week, all while Mitchell Robinson continues his lengthy rehab process.
Fortunately, Robinson returned to the lineup on Friday with an impressive performance, providing some relief. Depending on how the team views Hukporti’s recovery and potential playoff role, the urgency to add another big man could change.
Moses Brown: The Leading Candidate
Brown, who previously played for the Westchester Knicks, is currently on a 10-day contract with the Mavericks. His familiarity with New York’s system is a key factor in the Knicks’ decision-making process over the coming days.
Standing 7-foot-2, Brown has played for seven teams over a six-year career, appearing in 162 regular-season games (45 starts). He has averaged 5.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in limited minutes (11.7 MPG).
Despite his recent strong performance (a 20-11 double-double on Thursday), the Mavericks cannot immediately re-sign him after his 10-day contract expires on Saturday due to hard cap restrictions.
Given New York’s need for size while Hukporti recovers, Brown appears to be the logical choice.
Other Potential Signings
The Knicks have also been linked to G League standouts T.J. Warren and Chuma Okeke.
- T.J. Warren is a proven scorer, averaging 24.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in the G League while shooting 36% from three on nearly 10 attempts per game.
- Chuma Okeke has posted 17.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting 36.5% from deep, making him a potential reclamation project.
If Thibodeau has a say, Okeke might be the preferred choice due to his defensive abilities. However, if the Knicks prioritize shooting and scoring versatility, Warren could be the better option.
The Knicks’ Strategic Flexibility
Cap expert Yossi Gozlan, via Begley, noted that if the Knicks delay a signing until after Saturday, they could potentially sign a second player before the season ends—though this would require waiving someone like Delon Wright.
While not a cap expert, the possibility of signing Brown now while keeping options open for Okeke or Warren later seems like a logical strategy.
Other Buyout Market Targets
Beyond Brown, Warren, and Okeke, the Knicks are monitoring additional buyout options, though the overall pool is underwhelming.
James L. Edwards III listed a few external possibilities, including:
- Chris Duarte – A 2021 lottery pick recently waived by the Bulls after playing just 74 minutes this season.
- Josh Richardson – A veteran wing with defensive skills but declining offensive production.
- Christian Wood – A stretch big with strong scoring potential but significant injury concerns.
At this point, the Knicks must weigh their options carefully. Do they prioritize an immediate fix with Brown, gamble on Warren’s scoring punch, or bank on Okeke’s defensive upside? Whatever they choose, the clock is ticking.
