The New York Knicks came agonizingly close to an NBA Finals berth, falling just two wins short of the ultimate stage. With their sights set on closing that gap, the Knicks’ offseason strategy will focus on fine-tuning an already formidable roster to push them over the hump. After depleting their once-impressive stockpile of assets to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges last summer, New York faces salary cap constraints but boasts one of the league’s top five- or six-man rotations. The key now lies in addressing the margins—adding quality depth to complement their star-studded core.
In this context, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has pinpointed Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser as a prime trade target for the Knicks. Hauser, a sharpshooting wing, earned a full-time rotation role during Boston’s 2024 championship run, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and hold his own defensively. Buckley noted on May 31, “He could help New York increase its three-point volume while also holding his own as a serviceable team defender.” Additionally, Boston’s need to trim costs could make Hauser expendable, creating an opportunity for New York to pounce.
The Knicks’ depth was tested during the regular season, with injuries and inconsistencies exposing their reliance on the starting lineup. However, in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, reserves like Landry Shamet and Delon Wright stepped up in critical moments, proving their value when desperation called. While these contributions were vital, they were patchwork solutions. Hauser, however, represents the kind of reliable, plug-and-play contributor head coach Tom Thibodeau could lean on throughout an entire season. His floor-spacing ability and defensive versatility align perfectly with Thibodeau’s system, offering consistency that could prove invaluable come playoff time.
Acquiring Hauser could be a game-changer for the Knicks, adding a proven role player from a championship pedigree to a team on the cusp of greatness. With financial constraints limiting their options, a move for Boston’s “Space Killer” could be the calculated strike that reshapes New York’s title hopes and sends ripples across the league.