The New York Knicks are looking to crack the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 this upcoming season, and their offseason transactions prove that.
Their depth was a clear weakness during the 2024-25 season, and they have tried to rectify that with the offseason additions of Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Malcolm Brogdon. They also retained Landry Shamet, who came off the bench for the Knicks last season.
But with how the roster is currently constructed, they will have to let go of one of their newly acquired veterans thanks to the dreaded second-apron. Alternatively, they could make a trade to clear some space.
Knicks Trade Idea Sends Tyler Kolek to the Celtics
In a trade idea proposed by Sam LaFrance of Hardwood Houdini, New York would ship second-year guard Tyler Kolek to the Boston Celtics strictly for the purpose of retaining their veterans.
“New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek may be a great sleeper trade candidate for Boston. The second-year man out of Marquette seems poised to be buried on New York’s bench for a second straight season, after the Knicks recently added depth with Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet,” wrote LaFrance.
While the Celtics would be taking a low-risk flier on the former second-round pick, it may be disappointing to some Knicks fans to ship a promising young player to a hated rival like Boston.
But if New York wants to maintain their deep, veteran-heavy roster, this is something they would have to do. Their starting lineup is already one of the best across the entire NBA, and having a second unit of Brogdon, Clarkson, Shamet, Deuce McBride, and Mitchell Robinson would be just what they need to stay competitive when Jalen Brunson and company are off the floor.
In all likelihood, Kolek won’t see a lot of playing time this season anyway, so giving him a chance to get meaningful minutes on a retooling team like the Celtics in 2025-26 would be doing the Marquette product a favor.
