The New York Knicks, fresh off their NBA championship win, are reportedly monitoring two free agents to strengthen their roster before training camp. According to SNY's Ian Begley, guard-forward John Konchar and forward-center Drew Eubanks are on the team's radar as they look to defend their title with two standard roster spots remaining. The Knicks are riding a four-game winning streak, with their last result a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14, 2026.
Who are the Knicks targeting?
Ian Begley of SNY revealed the team's interest in two specific players on Thursday. "Per SNY sources, guard-forward John Konchar and forward-center Drew Eubanks are among the players on New York's radar as we draw closer to training camp," Begley reported. The Knicks have the financial flexibility to add one more veteran minimum contract under the second salary apron, but not two.
Owner James Dolan has stated the team will not exceed the second apron, which is set at $221 million in team salary for this season. This financial constraint shapes their approach to filling the final spots on the [squad](/squad). Konchar is seen as an additional shooter and a strong wing rebounder. Last season, split between the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz, he averaged 5.9 points and 5.7 rebounds in 26 games.
Eubanks, meanwhile, dealt with a torn UCL in his left thumb in March. That injury limited him to 42 games for the Sacramento Kings, where he averaged 5.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in just 13.1 minutes per contest. His health will be a factor in any potential signing.
Why is there trade speculation around Miles McBride?
While most of the championship core is expected to stay, trade rumors are swirling around guard Miles McBride. James L. Edwards III of The Athletic identified McBride as the player most likely to be traded before the 2027 deadline. "Unless the two sides reach an agreement before the start of the season, it feels like we're heading toward a departure just based on history," Edwards wrote.
McBride is entering his fifth NBA season, all with the Knicks, and has shown steady improvement. He's coming off a career year where he averaged 12.0 points and 2.6 assists while shooting 41.3% from three-point range. Edwards notes that McBride is likely seeking a significant pay raise from his current $4 million annual salary, which he could find on the open market given his efficient shooting and solid on-ball defense.
How is the championship roster shaping up?
The Knicks enter the 2026-27 season as defending champions with their core largely intact. Only two role players, Jeremy Sochan and Mitchell Robinson, departed in free agency. The team addressed Robinson's exit by signing former star center Andre Drummond to a one-year veteran minimum deal.
With a recent form of four wins and one loss in their last five games, the team's momentum is strong. Their focus now is on fine-tuning the edges of the roster. Adding a player like Konchar would provide more perimeter shooting and rebounding, while Eubanks offers frontcourt depth. You can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
The front office's challenge is to add the right pieces without compromising financial future. Balancing the immediate goal of repeating as champions with long-term roster construction is the current task. All moves will be made with an eye on maintaining their position in the Eastern Conference [standings](/standings). Training camp later this month will be the first test for this updated roster.
