The New York Knicks risk losing another important bench player, with guard Miles McBride reportedly a candidate to depart next summer as the team avoids the luxury tax's second apron. This comes after the Knicks capped their championship season with a 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14, 2026, and currently hold a strong recent form of four wins and one loss in their last five games.
Why might the Knicks lose Miles McBride?
According to The Athletic's James L. Edwards III, McBride's future with the Knicks is uncertain. The 26-year-old combo guard is entering the final year of his contract, set to earn about $3.9 million for the 2026-27 season before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Edwards wrote that unless an extension is agreed before the season starts, history suggests a departure is likely. He noted the Knicks' front office, led by Leon Rose, often trades players when extension talks stall. Mitchell Robinson was a recent exception due to his unique defensive skill set.
Financial pressure is the main driver. Owner James Dolan wants to stay clear of the punitive second apron. With big extensions looming for Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and eventually Jalen Brunson, the money might not be there for McBride. The team simply can't pay everyone. You can track the team's financial commitments and roster moves on our [squad](/squad) page.
How did McBride perform last season?
Miles McBride had a career year during the Knicks' championship run. He appeared in 41 regular-season games, making 15 starts. He averaged 12.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 42.3 percent from the field. His scoring punch off the bench was a valuable asset. Those contributions helped New York end a 53-year title drought, a journey detailed in our [stats](/stats) section.
McBride recently revealed a key turning point for the team on the 'This Crew Has It' podcast. After falling behind 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the Knicks responded with a massive 51-point victory in Game 6. "Honestly, when we came back from Atlanta, I was like, 'I don't think there's anybody that can stop us,'" McBride said. That win sparked their historic playoff run.
What was the Knicks' path to the championship?
After dispatching the Hawks in six games, the Knicks were dominant. They swept both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the next two rounds. Their momentum carried them to the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks lost only one more game, dropping Game 3 of the Finals, before securing the championship in five games. The clinching victory was that 94-90 result on June 14.
The team's current form reflects that winning mentality, riding a four-game winning streak. Maintaining this level will be challenging with potential roster changes. Decisions on players like McBride will shape their ability to defend the title. The front office's moves in the coming months will be critical as they balance the books and competitive ambitions. Fans can follow the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
