The New York Knicks‘ acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets not only filled a starting roster spot but also opened up significant depth. Bridges will take over a key wing position alongside OG Anunoby, who signed a long-term extension with New York.
The Knicks Have Essential Depth
This move pushes two key pieces to the bench: Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart. DiVincenzo, who signed a four-year, $46.8 million contract last off-season, will count $11.4 million against the salary cap next year. His contract is extremely affordable considering his production and value to the team.
DiVincenzo averaged 19.2 points per game this past season over 81 appearances, along with 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and shot a career-high .401 from three-point range. His perimeter shooting has become elite over the past two years, and the Knicks view him as an essential piece of the puzzle.
A high-octane scorer like DiVincenzo coming off the bench gives the second rotation tremendous upside. Not many teams have that level of competency when their starters leave the floor, and the Knicks boast playoff-caliber players in that role, which is an embarrassment of riches.
Josh Hart’s Role and Impact
In addition, Hart offers them an energizer and elite rebounder from the small forward position. Hart only averaged 9.4 points this past season but recorded a career-high 8.3 rebounds per game, including 4.1 assists, shooting .434 from the field. While Hart isn’t known for his three-point shooting, he made a few clutch shots during the playoffs when the Knicks needed him most.
Hart’s relentless nature makes him valuable, and he should earn a substantial amount of minutes. Especially when postseason basketball rolls around, the team will need his rebounding qualities — Hart will get starting-level minutes, especially since he’s able to play full games most of the time.
Hart is currently heading into the first year of a four-year, $80.9 million extension. He has an $18.1 million cap hit that escalates until the Knicks have a club option during the 2027–28 season at $22.3 million. At that point, Hart will be 32, and they may elect to opt out, but they have three years of his rebounding and energy to utilize.
Looking Ahead: The Search for a Center
Having players of this nature in bench and reserve roles is a luxury, and the Knicks need only another center to pair with Mitchell Robinson to complete the puzzle. They’ve been linked to a number of different players, including Walker Kessler, Nick Richards, and Jalen Duren.
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Duren would be a perfect addition to this team since he’s only 20 years old and averaged 11.6 rebounds this past season for Detroit. His physicality and upside are astronomical, and he could end up becoming the long-term solution at center for New York.