The New York Knicks are in the thick of a pivotal season - and they know it. Fresh off a breakthrough run to the Eastern Conference Finals, their first in a quarter-century, expectations in the Big Apple have shifted from hopeful to hungry.
This isn’t just about building; it’s about contending. And with a revamped offensive identity under new head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks have made it clear they’re not here to just make noise - they’re aiming to make history.
Brown’s arrival was all about unlocking the full potential of this roster, especially the offense around Jalen Brunson. So far, mission accomplished.
The Knicks rank third in offensive rating, fifth in both points per game and three-pointers made, and sit in the top ten in assists and three-point percentage. That’s not just a hot streak - that’s sustainable, system-driven success.
And it starts with how Brown is deploying Brunson.
Brunson has always been a crafty, high-IQ guard, but under Brown, he’s operating with even more freedom and precision. The offense flows through him, and it’s thriving.
But it’s not just Brunson. The continued growth of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby has added layers to this attack.
Bridges is expanding his shot profile, while Anunoby is giving them elite-level two-way play on the wing. Together, they’re helping New York become one of the most balanced teams in the league.
Still, there’s one area where the Knicks could use a little more juice - their frontcourt depth, particularly behind Karl-Anthony Towns. And that’s where a potential move could elevate this roster from contender to legitimate title favorite.
A Trade That Could Tip the Scales: Mitchell Robinson for Daniel Gafford
Mitchell Robinson has been a key piece of the Knicks’ identity in recent years. His ability to dominate the glass, protect the rim, and bring relentless energy has made him a fan favorite and a valuable interior presence. But availability matters, and that’s where the concern lies.
Robinson has battled injuries for three straight seasons, never playing more than 50 regular season games in that span. Multiple surgeries on his ankle and knees have made his reliability a question mark - and for a team with championship aspirations, that’s a risk they might not be able to afford.
Enter Daniel Gafford.
Gafford brings a similar defensive intensity and rebounding prowess, but with a more polished offensive game. He’s a better finisher around the rim, more consistent as a lob threat, and crucially, a significantly better free-throw shooter - an area where Robinson has struggled throughout his career.
Adding Gafford wouldn’t just be about plugging a hole - it would be about enhancing what the Knicks already do well. Brunson thrives in the pick-and-roll, and while his chemistry with Towns in pick-and-pop situations has been impressive, Gafford would give him a true roll partner. That vertical threat adds another wrinkle to a Knicks offense that’s already tough to guard.
And there’s precedent here. Gafford looked his best when paired with Luka Dončić in Dallas, showing he can thrive alongside a high-usage, high-IQ guard. That experience should translate well with Brunson, who operates with a similarly methodical style and surgical decision-making in the halfcourt.
What Would It Cost?
A straight-up swap likely wouldn’t be enough. The Knicks would probably need to sweeten the deal - a couple of second-round picks could do the trick. And with the Mavericks’ season trending in the wrong direction, they may be more open to making moves than they were a few months ago.
This isn’t about giving up on Mitchell Robinson. It’s about maximizing the window the Knicks are in right now.
They’ve built something real - a top-tier offense, a deep and versatile rotation, and a star guard in Brunson who’s playing the best basketball of his career. But championship teams are built on depth, consistency, and adaptability.
Gafford checks all three boxes.
If New York wants to turn last season’s breakthrough into this season’s banner, a move like this could be the missing piece.