Hanifan’s offseason outlook: Evaluating the New York Knicks' 2026 offseason

The calendar has turned to September. You know what that means, right?! Our offseason outlook series is back for the third-straight year!

Hot Hot Hoops senior writer Matt Hanifan will provide his take on the offseasons of all 30 teams for the next 30 days! We will be going in alphabetical order, beginning with the Eastern Conference. Today, we will look at the New York Knicks’ summer!

Previous offseason outlooks:

Evaluating the New York Knicks’ 2026 offseason:

Additions: Andre Drummond

Subtractions: Mitchell Robinson, Ariel Hukporti, Jeremy Sochan, Dillon Jones, Trey Jemison

Re-signed: Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet, Mohamed Diawara

Draft: ——–

Hanifan’s outlook: After the New York Knicks snapped their 53-year championship drought, they had a relatively quiet offseason.

Owner James Dolan was very adamant that the Knicks would not exceed the punitive second apron. Thus, they let Mitchell Robinson — one of the league’s best offensive rebounders — walk for nothing (he signed with the rival Celtics), in addition to Jeremy Sochan, Dillon Jones and backup center Ariel Hukporti.

New York replaced Robinson with free agent center Andre Drummond, another very good offensive rebounder. However, Drummond is a far worse defender and is entering his age-33 season. They did a good job retaining Alvarado, Diawara and Clarkson, but I think Robinson’s departure could make them a little more vulnerable.

Still, the defending champs hold the crown until another team dethrones them. Will that be this year?