The New York Knicks are considering a trade to strengthen their frontcourt, with a proposal sending fan favorite Miles McBride to the New Orleans Pelicans for veteran center DeAndre Jordan. This move aims to address depth issues following offseason departures. The team's focus on roster building comes as they maintain strong form, having just secured a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14, 2026.
Their recent results show a team in rhythm. Over their last five games, the Knicks have a 4W-1L record (WWLWW) and are currently on a two-game winning streak. Key victories include a 107-106 win over the Spurs on June 11 and a 105-104 road win on June 6. This consistent performance shows the core's stability as they evaluate potential upgrades.
The Knicks' quiet offseason saw them retain most of last season's roster, including stars Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. However, they suffered significant losses in the paint. Starting center Mitchell Robinson left in free agency to join the Boston Celtics.
To replace Robinson, the team signed veteran Andre Drummond. But they also lost young big man Ariel Hukporti to the Philadelphia 76ers. These departures left the frontcourt rotation noticeably thinner. The Knicks added James Wiseman and Drew Eubanks on training camp deals, but they may seek a more proven option via trade for insurance and playoff experience.
In this specific trade framework, the Knicks would send guard Miles McBride and the Washington Wizards' 2027 second-round pick to the Pelicans for center DeAndre Jordan. Due to NBA contract rules, this deal could not be completed until December 15 because of a restriction on Jordan's recently signed contract.
Moving McBride presents a difficult choice for the front office. He became a fan favorite for his energetic defense and reliable bench production. His perimeter defense and three-point shooting provided valuable minutes behind Brunson. Swapping him for a center represents a shift in roster construction philosophy, prioritizing size over backcourt depth.
DeAndre Jordan is no longer the All-NBA defender and lob threat he was during his prime with the LA Clippers. But he brings a specific skill set. He remains an elite rebounder and a capable paint protector in short bursts. His experience as a former champion could be valuable in a locker room with championship aspirations.
Jordan would likely serve as the third center behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. He could provide spot minutes, foul trouble insurance, and a veteran presence during the grind of an 82-game season. His role would be clearly defined: defend, rebound, and set solid screens without needing offensive touches.
The core is locked in and performing. The June 14 win over the Spurs was a tight 94-90 battle. Earlier in that series, they won 107-106 on June 11 but fell 111-115 on June 9. Their playoff run included a dominant 130-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers back on May 26.
This trade speculation occurs while the team is winning. The proposed deal highlights the constant balancing act between maintaining chemistry and addressing roster flaws. Letting go of a popular player like McBride is never easy, but securing frontcourt depth for a long playoff run is a perpetual need. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page as the front office weighs its options.
