It takes a village to build an NBA championship finalist, but sometimes the best made plans don't account for the mistakes of neighboring villages. Enter the New York Knicks, who have not just relied on their own astuteness but have also thrived on the missteps of other franchises, catapulting themselves to the 2026 NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. By capitalizing on players overlooked or given up on by other teams, the Knicks have crafted a lineup that's stronger than the sum of its parts. Here, we assess the biggest heists and trades that built this surprising success story.
8. Brooklyn Nets' Disastrous Trade of Mikal Bridges
“F*ck the picks” has become a rallying cry in the Big Apple, and it's reflective of the Knicks' aggressive strategy. The decision made by the Brooklyn Nets to part ways with Mikal Bridges in exchange for six first-rounders may seem questionable now. The Knicks gladly gave up an inflated price in draft picks for Bridges, a player who likely won't reach All-Star status. The fact that New York didn’t surrender any valuable player assets made their picks less consequential, which effectively lowered their value. This wise trade has resulted in solid returns, making it a key component in the Knicks' success.
7. The Portland Trail Blazers and the Josh Hart Trade
One of the more eye-catching moves involved the March acquisition of Josh Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers. Many fans were skeptical, notably questioning the justification for yielding a future first-round pick alongside Cam Reddish and Ryan Arcidiacono. Sure enough, that pick became the 23rd overall selection, but Hart's immediate contributions rendered the original concerns moot. He has quickly molded into a key contributor, helping propel the Knicks toward NBA glory.
6. The Oklahoma City Thunder's Oversight with Deuce McBride
In a fascinating twist, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded away their chance to select Deuce McBride when they moved into position for Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. The Movements to acquire Robinson-Earl meant letting go of both the 34th and 36th picks, with the Knicks scoop up McBride, who is now a shining star in New York’s defensive strategy. While the trade may not have seemed critical initially, it has proven to be an oversight that benefits the Knicks significantly.
5. The Redemption of Landry Shamet
Landry Shamet has endured a turbulent NBA journey, passed around by various teams like a hot potato. His exit from the Knicks after failing to secure a guaranteed spot last season made the league overlook his potential. When the Knicks offered him a training-camp deal, they struck gold. Shamet emerged as a vital piece for New York, showcasing impressive numbers in shooting efficiency and defensive capability. His impact was undeniable in pivotal playoff games, highlighting how the Knicks benefited from this untapped potential.
4. Mike Brown's Early Departure from the Kings
Mike Brown’s firing by the Sacramento Kings only 31 games into the 2024-25 season was viewed as another act of madness by an often misguided franchise. The Knicks capitalized on this, eventually hiring Brown to add a new dimension to their coaching strategy. While the Kings sank deeper into the abyss post-Brown, the Knicks thrived under his innovative offensive style, leading to smarter offensive looks and player development.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns Switch to New York
The trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns, in which the Knicks sent off Julius Randle and a first-round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves, has become a fascinating debate. While the Timberwolves edged closer to establishing a competitive roster with Randle in tow, Towns has seamlessly transitioned into a crucial role for the Knicks. His floor-spacing capabilities and defensive effort have proven invaluable, underlining how New York adequately read the landscape and seized an opportunity when Minnesota faltered.
2. Toronto Raptors' Blunder with OG Anunoby
One of the most glaring miscalculations came from the Toronto Raptors, who flipped OG Anunoby for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and more—a move that very few applauded. Anunoby's transformative impact on defense has made New York’s acquisition a monumental win, particularly as the Raptors pondered contending or reconstructing their roster. With a multi-year contract making Anunoby one of the higher-paid players, the Knicks are reveling in what the Raptors failed to anticipate.
1. Jalen Brunson: The Mavs' Major Mistake
At the center of this Knicks resurgence is Jalen Brunson, a player the Dallas Mavericks underestimated multiple times. After two unsuccessful attempts to extend his contract, the Mavs let Brunson walk to New York for a deal that now seems like one of the best in the league. His transformation into an All-NBA talent has rapidly altered the narrative around this trade, making it a premier example of poor asset management on Dallas' part—one that has critical ramifications for their future.
In summary, the Knicks’ journey to the NBA Finals illustrates the unpredictable nature of player trades and valuations. By capitalizing on the miscalculations of other franchises, they’ve constructed a competitive team ready for a championship run with a vibrant future ahead. As they approach the Finals, New York has demonstrated both resilience and strategic ingenuity—an awe-inspiring feat that has undoubtedly reinvigorated their fanbase.
