The New York Knicks have had a fairly complete offseason, retaining multiple major pieces from their championship team.
Their backcourt depth remains about the same, with Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Jordan Clarkson all back in the mix.
Where they suffered their biggest blow was in the frontcourt, when Mitchell Robinson departed for the Boston Celtics.
Andre Drummond is a solid addition to the bench, but New York is going to need more. The key to upgrading their center depth may be making a trade, flipping one Deuce McBride or Tyler Kolek for a better backup big man.
If the Knicks do end up making a trade, they should look to replenish their guard depth with a recently released Los Angeles Clippers guard.
Knicks Could Pursue Ex-Clipper Sean Pedulla
The Los Angeles Clippers recently cut ties with guard Sean Pedulla, and he could just be a target for the New York Knicks.
Sports Illustrated’s Isaiah De Los Santos linked him to New York, but only in the event of a trade that sends a player out from the Knicks’ already crowded backcourt.
“Despite standing only 6-foot-1, Pedulla had no trouble creating open looks for himself or hitting contested shots, which is exactly what you want to see from a smaller, offensive-minded player. But Pedulla also made sure to be a disruptor on the other side of the floor, as he also notched 1.6 steals per contest,” wrote De Los Santos.
“That said, the Clippers’ loss would be the Knicks’ gain. With all three two-way contract slots vacant, New York has room to add Pedulla right in and still sign a center (or two) through this means. This is important, as the frontcourt is the more pressing agenda item, yet it could still be addressed while also welcoming in Pedulla.”
As mentioned by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto in his initial report of Pedulla’s release, the undrafted free agent was the NBA G League Rookie of the Year, averaging 23.6 points and 6.8 assists.
He only appeared in seven NBA games this past season and played just 4.4 minutes per game in those contests.
Pedulla could be a nice stash for the Knicks and split time with their own G League affiliate in Westchester.
Knicks Would Have to Make a Trade to Free up Space for Sean Pedulla
To reiterate, a Pedulla addition only makes sense if the New York Knicks have the space for another piece in their backcourt.
In order to make that space, the Knicks would have to trade a player, and unfortunately, McBride makes the most sense as that potential casualty.
The fan-favorite guard is entering the final year of his contract, and he’s on a very manageable $3.9 million salary.
New York is unlikely to re-sign him in the summer of 2027, considering his value is likely much higher now than it was when he signed his first extension, so it would only make sense to trade him now and get value while you still can.
That value? A potential upgrade at backup center that helps alleviate the hole that Robinson left behind when he departed for the Boston Celtics.
Knicks Urged to Target Recently Released Clipper as Deuce McBride Replacement