What a wonderful write-up!!! My goodness, so much better than the drivel from the national outlets. Seriously, bring able to read Macri is one of the great benefits of bring a Knick fan. We are SO so lucky to have you!!!
Man that's way too kind, Marcus. I can't emphasize enough how much I love writing these things, in no small part because doing so helps me pick up knowledge through research and also back and forth with readers. Thanks so much.
What I keep thinking about is Jrue Holiday suddenly shaking loose last offseason - no one saw that coming and the Celtics pounced. They're now waiting to find out who they'll face in the Finals.
As we always say, this is the NBA - multiple surprises are in store this offseason and there will be at least a few opportunities for the Knicks to push some chips in. I agree with Macri that it will probably won't check all of the boxes, they can't let an upgrade like that pass them by.
Listening to Katz and Macri last week and now reading this (excellent newsletter) makes me feel like the Knicks won't exit the summer with a new star on the roster but will try to snag a Derrick White/Jrue Holiday-level addition.
If they can do that - and bring back OG and Hartenstein - they'll give themselves a real chance to contend.
Excellent summary, especially as it pertains to making CBA minutiae digestible. Much as some prefer a full run back, it’s hard to escape the conclusion there’s a strong imperative to do *something,* even if it’s just swapping out Bogey and some assets for a similarly paid upgrade.
I will say though, I think some people are a little more confident than me that a “similarly paid upgrade” to Bogey exists and is gettable. This is partially a vote of confidence in Bogey himself, who I still think fits well in our rotation if/when healthy, but mostly a statement on what I see as the paucity of such options in general. For that reason I’m definitely excited to see what ideas you’re cooking up 👍
I agree with your list of players and also agree neither will become available. There are a host of other players that you can argue would put us over the top (Durant, Paul George, Khawi, Lebron, Anthony Davis, etc) and every night I go to sleep with nightmares about us following the Nets plan of adding Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to put them over the top.
If one of the aging or always injured stars wants to join us for a vet minimum without us touching the core, come on over. I will even promise to draft Bronny if Lebron does that. Otherwise, I would try to spend Bogey's salary on putting together a bench that was plus ten instead of minus ten in the non-Brunson 15 minutes.
One other conundrum as to Booker specifically, though it also applies to Donovan Mitchell and Mikal, is where the minutes come from if they are added. Assume Mikal (who I love for this team) comes over and plays 15 minutes at shooting guard and 15 at small forward. Those are Josh Hart's minutes. Is there a world where we see Thomas playing Josh only 15-20 minutes a game?
I’m firmly in the run it back camp, but we need bench help. Trade for Giddey? Is Kyle Andersen a possibility? I think we should keep eep the picks and draft to bolster the bench - with the new CBA, talented players on rookie contracts will be at a premium, and players like Zach, Ryan Dunn even though he can’t shoot, etc., can really help our position going forward. After all, developing IQ helped us land OGA; developing Deuce helped enormously. So I’m also a fan of drafting players intended for our bench for help. Anywho, can’t wait to see your list of potential targets! This newsletter is the BEST.
Looking forward to exploring the feasibility of and the market returns for a Bojan+2024 FRPs. Could that happen during the draft if they guarantee his contract before June 26th? If so, who could we get in the mold of a bench creator/shooter that essentially replaces both Bogey and Burks? Or what could we get back in value through a move r that kicks the can down to next year?
I don't like the idea of losing Julius. I kind of feel like he and Brunson are such a part of our heart and soul...I dunno, I just think if we could run it back, now with Hart, Hartenstein, Donte, Deuce, Mitch and add OG it just feels like this team will gel in a way that doesn't necessitate a move, but then again I don't really totally get the cap stuff. I look at Dallas and I love they picked up Gafford and PJ Washington to complete their team. I think I'd prefer something like that at the trade deadline or hell....make a draft pick and get someone who's ready to step in a fill a role and not someone who needs a lot of work. Can we get a Jamie Jacquez Jr. (I know, sorry)?
For a very long time now, all signs have been pointing to this summer as THE summer for THE move. While that no longer means hunting a 1A, it is still the best opportunity to firmly entrench ourselves in that inner circle of contenders for the foreseeable future. To that end (and I’m guessing this is where your head’s at too), there is an exactly 0% chance they just run it back.
“Okay, but who?” You’re absolutely right. There is no great answer. But as you pointed out, the Bogey salary is a valuable chip, and there’s no way they just let that expire. That would make the trade deadline a big whiff, and it’d be an awful mismanagement of assets.
You also talked about *if* they use one or both first rounders — they have to use one. We need controlled, cheap talent to develop that, who knows, maybe could step in when injuries strike (instead of wasting roster spots on G Leaguers who will never be trusted in real game action).
Man, this really is a great primer. This is going to be fascinating. One small correction - You didn’t factor in Arcidiacano’s deal! I assume he and Rick come part and parcel with Brunson’s extension.
Great read Macri. It seems to me the Nets ownership wants a rebuild. Well we got the tools for a rebuild! Over pay in draft assets, break the long standing moratorium with the Knicks and let’s get Mikal.
Run it back? Well kind of? They never played their complete squad? Mitch was out when they first acquired OG. Then Julius got burnt by the Heat. So, assuming the essential free agents get signed, September will be the first time that the top guys all suit up.
Could they use another ball handler? Is Rokas that guy? Will Bogie slip away? Can he produce like he did in Detroit? They definitely can use a longer sharpshooter who will willingly fit within their team structure and identity. There are a couple of seniors and juniors in the draft who might fit the Knicks' [needs] niches; if they possessed the proper Thibsian required qualities [low turnovers on offense, responsible defense, rebounding ability] they could be serviceable parts by the time next April rolls around].
We also need to factor in self improvement over the off season. Brunson will get better; maybe better quickness with a svelte physique [without sacrificing strength]. JHart will improve his shot. Donte his strength and handle. Julius his speedy decision making. OG his handle and shot. IHart his ball handling and jumper [watching Walton highlights made me think of Hartenstein dishing to cutters]. Mitch some post moves and free throws. And so on... Continuity is king! Short of the Nets gifting Bridges, I don't want anybody but Booker or the Freak, and neither of them is coming.
If IHart isn't retained, is Zach Edey his replacement? His mobility has improved every year at Purdue; maybe there's another bump up. He does everything Thibs wants a center to do.
Good kickoff to the offseason, Jon! Thanks. Just wanted to add in that the new CBA also presents opportunities if we continue to asset build. For one thing, a team with expiring contracts they can trade to teams that are over the apron and want to avoid repeat status or payroll increases to the second apron. Expirings will start to have a premium associated with them, especially in light of the PEMDAS argument. Draft picks at the end of the first and start of the second should also see a premium value as assets, unlike now… they come with the best shot of getting a role player on the best cost-controlled salaries available, and the punitive nature of the aprons and repeat offender status puts a higher value on these players for roster construction. We haven’t discussed the possibilities much, but setting up players for s/t as they enter UFA might become another strategy to employ, as it would also get around some of the CBA trade-restrictions. Gonna be an interesting ride!
Perfect read to unwind from writing mid year reports, Macri. Teacher nod
I’m gonna C. R. E. A. M.
EVERYWHERE
What a wonderful write-up!!! My goodness, so much better than the drivel from the national outlets. Seriously, bring able to read Macri is one of the great benefits of bring a Knick fan. We are SO so lucky to have you!!!
Man that's way too kind, Marcus. I can't emphasize enough how much I love writing these things, in no small part because doing so helps me pick up knowledge through research and also back and forth with readers. Thanks so much.
I seriously look forward to reading this every morning....and u don't disappoint.....THX
Thank you Boomer!
What I keep thinking about is Jrue Holiday suddenly shaking loose last offseason - no one saw that coming and the Celtics pounced. They're now waiting to find out who they'll face in the Finals.
As we always say, this is the NBA - multiple surprises are in store this offseason and there will be at least a few opportunities for the Knicks to push some chips in. I agree with Macri that it will probably won't check all of the boxes, they can't let an upgrade like that pass them by.
Listening to Katz and Macri last week and now reading this (excellent newsletter) makes me feel like the Knicks won't exit the summer with a new star on the roster but will try to snag a Derrick White/Jrue Holiday-level addition.
If they can do that - and bring back OG and Hartenstein - they'll give themselves a real chance to contend.
I'm sure they'd sign up for someone who has a White/Jrue level impact in a heartbeat
Excellent summary, especially as it pertains to making CBA minutiae digestible. Much as some prefer a full run back, it’s hard to escape the conclusion there’s a strong imperative to do *something,* even if it’s just swapping out Bogey and some assets for a similarly paid upgrade.
I will say though, I think some people are a little more confident than me that a “similarly paid upgrade” to Bogey exists and is gettable. This is partially a vote of confidence in Bogey himself, who I still think fits well in our rotation if/when healthy, but mostly a statement on what I see as the paucity of such options in general. For that reason I’m definitely excited to see what ideas you’re cooking up 👍
I agree with your list of players and also agree neither will become available. There are a host of other players that you can argue would put us over the top (Durant, Paul George, Khawi, Lebron, Anthony Davis, etc) and every night I go to sleep with nightmares about us following the Nets plan of adding Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to put them over the top.
If one of the aging or always injured stars wants to join us for a vet minimum without us touching the core, come on over. I will even promise to draft Bronny if Lebron does that. Otherwise, I would try to spend Bogey's salary on putting together a bench that was plus ten instead of minus ten in the non-Brunson 15 minutes.
One other conundrum as to Booker specifically, though it also applies to Donovan Mitchell and Mikal, is where the minutes come from if they are added. Assume Mikal (who I love for this team) comes over and plays 15 minutes at shooting guard and 15 at small forward. Those are Josh Hart's minutes. Is there a world where we see Thomas playing Josh only 15-20 minutes a game?
I’m firmly in the run it back camp, but we need bench help. Trade for Giddey? Is Kyle Andersen a possibility? I think we should keep eep the picks and draft to bolster the bench - with the new CBA, talented players on rookie contracts will be at a premium, and players like Zach, Ryan Dunn even though he can’t shoot, etc., can really help our position going forward. After all, developing IQ helped us land OGA; developing Deuce helped enormously. So I’m also a fan of drafting players intended for our bench for help. Anywho, can’t wait to see your list of potential targets! This newsletter is the BEST.
Looking forward to exploring the feasibility of and the market returns for a Bojan+2024 FRPs. Could that happen during the draft if they guarantee his contract before June 26th? If so, who could we get in the mold of a bench creator/shooter that essentially replaces both Bogey and Burks? Or what could we get back in value through a move r that kicks the can down to next year?
I don't like the idea of losing Julius. I kind of feel like he and Brunson are such a part of our heart and soul...I dunno, I just think if we could run it back, now with Hart, Hartenstein, Donte, Deuce, Mitch and add OG it just feels like this team will gel in a way that doesn't necessitate a move, but then again I don't really totally get the cap stuff. I look at Dallas and I love they picked up Gafford and PJ Washington to complete their team. I think I'd prefer something like that at the trade deadline or hell....make a draft pick and get someone who's ready to step in a fill a role and not someone who needs a lot of work. Can we get a Jamie Jacquez Jr. (I know, sorry)?
For a very long time now, all signs have been pointing to this summer as THE summer for THE move. While that no longer means hunting a 1A, it is still the best opportunity to firmly entrench ourselves in that inner circle of contenders for the foreseeable future. To that end (and I’m guessing this is where your head’s at too), there is an exactly 0% chance they just run it back.
“Okay, but who?” You’re absolutely right. There is no great answer. But as you pointed out, the Bogey salary is a valuable chip, and there’s no way they just let that expire. That would make the trade deadline a big whiff, and it’d be an awful mismanagement of assets.
You also talked about *if* they use one or both first rounders — they have to use one. We need controlled, cheap talent to develop that, who knows, maybe could step in when injuries strike (instead of wasting roster spots on G Leaguers who will never be trusted in real game action).
Gonna be a fun summer.
Love this comment. Agree with every syllable lol.
Man, this really is a great primer. This is going to be fascinating. One small correction - You didn’t factor in Arcidiacano’s deal! I assume he and Rick come part and parcel with Brunson’s extension.
LOL...max Archy! He's the missing piece!
lol nobody talked about it but on the Roommates pod after the Bogey trade, Brunson said something like “good luck Archie, see ya in August!”
Great read Macri. It seems to me the Nets ownership wants a rebuild. Well we got the tools for a rebuild! Over pay in draft assets, break the long standing moratorium with the Knicks and let’s get Mikal.
Great read and two questions:
How does a Brunson extension fit into the Salary Cap math?
Does the math work for adding DeRozan in a deal to replace Bogey?
Hopefully answered the first part of this (to the best of my abilities given current information) in today's newsletter.
I'm going to try and use DeRozan as an example of the complexities of making moves this summer. Stay tuned.
Can they convince him to come off the bench?
Run it back? Well kind of? They never played their complete squad? Mitch was out when they first acquired OG. Then Julius got burnt by the Heat. So, assuming the essential free agents get signed, September will be the first time that the top guys all suit up.
Could they use another ball handler? Is Rokas that guy? Will Bogie slip away? Can he produce like he did in Detroit? They definitely can use a longer sharpshooter who will willingly fit within their team structure and identity. There are a couple of seniors and juniors in the draft who might fit the Knicks' [needs] niches; if they possessed the proper Thibsian required qualities [low turnovers on offense, responsible defense, rebounding ability] they could be serviceable parts by the time next April rolls around].
We also need to factor in self improvement over the off season. Brunson will get better; maybe better quickness with a svelte physique [without sacrificing strength]. JHart will improve his shot. Donte his strength and handle. Julius his speedy decision making. OG his handle and shot. IHart his ball handling and jumper [watching Walton highlights made me think of Hartenstein dishing to cutters]. Mitch some post moves and free throws. And so on... Continuity is king! Short of the Nets gifting Bridges, I don't want anybody but Booker or the Freak, and neither of them is coming.
If IHart isn't retained, is Zach Edey his replacement? His mobility has improved every year at Purdue; maybe there's another bump up. He does everything Thibs wants a center to do.
Good kickoff to the offseason, Jon! Thanks. Just wanted to add in that the new CBA also presents opportunities if we continue to asset build. For one thing, a team with expiring contracts they can trade to teams that are over the apron and want to avoid repeat status or payroll increases to the second apron. Expirings will start to have a premium associated with them, especially in light of the PEMDAS argument. Draft picks at the end of the first and start of the second should also see a premium value as assets, unlike now… they come with the best shot of getting a role player on the best cost-controlled salaries available, and the punitive nature of the aprons and repeat offender status puts a higher value on these players for roster construction. We haven’t discussed the possibilities much, but setting up players for s/t as they enter UFA might become another strategy to employ, as it would also get around some of the CBA trade-restrictions. Gonna be an interesting ride!