Whether this Knicks offseason will include a splash addition like Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns last year is still a mystery. New York has plenty of money tied up in its core, and the decision to make a coaching change might take the place of a major on-court move.
In this era of the NBA, however, championships are arguably won as much by the edges of rosters as they are by the stars. Having stars is important, but it’s no coincidence the Celtics and Thunder won titles as soon as they shored up vulnerabilities around those headliners.
The Knicks have a core they believe in, but as they look to lean more on role players in the post-Tom Thibodeau era, they now have to go out and find the players who can effectively complement Jalen Brunson and the starting lineup.
Here’s a look at the Knicks’ best free agent targets, from Chris Paul to Luke Kornet.
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Ranking best free agents for Knicks in 2025
1. Tyus Jones
2024-25 salary: $3 million
Tyus Jones is a fringe starter in the NBA, and he found two teams that had enough of a need at point guard to make regular starts over the last two seasons in the Wizards and Suns. Jones is never going to be a high-level offensive option out of the backcourt, but he limits turnovers and can shoot the three efficiently when needed.
The Knicks are expected to rely a bit more on depth this season with Thibodeau gone, so Jones is a player who could carve out a complementary role even as Jalen Brunson soaks up fairly heavy minutes. Now entering his 11th season, Jones would give the Knicks a steadier hand behind Brunson than Cameron Payne as they look for the kind of role players who can settle things down in the playoffs.
2. Luke Kornet
2024-25 salary: $2.8 million
The Knicks know they can’t take Mitchell Robinson’s health for granted, and it’s probably best to find an upgrade over free agent Precious Achiuwa in that role as a Robinson safeguard. If New York is serious about competing for a championship, handing those minutes to Ariel Hukporti is short-sighted. Bringing in Luke Kornet, who started his career with the Knicks and has played in high-pressure moments, would be a dream scenario.
Kornet finally carved out a consistent role for himself in 2024-25, averaging 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and a block per game with the Celtics. He earned himself some money against the Knicks in the playoffs, and the biggest question is whether New York will just be priced out on Kornet. While Kornet won’t receive Isaiah Hartenstein money, the Knicks were priced out on their own big man last summer, creating this need. If Kornet’s market isn’t especially robust, he would be an ideal target to join the Knicks’ frontcourt.
MORE: Complete 2025 NBA Draft grades
3. Chris Paul
2024-25 salary: $10.5 million
Chris Paul seems committed to playing a 21st season, but the burning question is whether he values the chance to win his first championship or the chance to play as many minutes as possible. The Knicks would not be able to offer Paul a chance for especially heavy minutes, nor do they have young guards for him to mentor. Similar to Tyus Jones, Paul could set the tone off the bench as a defender and distributor without having to play a large offensive role. For a player without a ring, New York could give Paul his best shot in 2026.
Other settings, including Dallas with Kyrie Irving set to miss the start of the season or Portland if Jrue Holiday refuses to play, could give Paul a more similar situation to what he experienced with the Spurs.
4. Al Horford
2024-25 salary: $9.75 million
Would Al Horford really leave the Celtics for a division rival? Well, he already did it once when he bolted for Philadelphia in 2019. Now in the twilight of his career, Horford would command far less money and not be asked to play such a sizable role. The former All-Star may not be likely to leave Boston, but as the Celtics trim their payroll, any scenario is possible. If Horford doesn’t return, the chance to play an important defensive role in the Knicks’ frontcourt and potentially compete for a championship could be the most intriguing option on the market.
MORE: How NBA free agency works
5. Chris Boucher
2024-25 salary: $11.75 million
If Kornet is too pricey, could longest-tenured Raptor Chris Boucher be a candidate to join the Knicks’ frontcourt? New York reportedly showed interest in Boucher ahead of the trade deadline this past season, and the veteran big man is someone who could be ready to step in and play a sizable if Robinson is unavailable.
Boucher hasn’t blocked shots at the same rate he did early in his career, but his per-36 rebounding marks remain strong, and he averaged 10 points per game over about 17 minutes per night last season. Boucher also wouldn’t have any problem taking on a reserve role, as he hasn’t started a game since 2021-22. A fresh start with a contender could be a boost for the former Oregon center’s career and give him a chance to play key minutes off the bench.
