Inside look at how Knicks put together NBA Finals-worthy squad
Leon Rose and the Knicks focused on trades and free agency to construct their core, San Antonio mostly became a contender again by maximizing its draft capital, leading to a rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals, won by the Spurs.The Post dissects how the Knicks took shape.When he arrived: 2022How he was acquired: Inked a four-year, $104 million deal in free agency that seemed like a reach but has since become a bargain.How he’s helped them get here: He’s the franchise point guard.Captain Clutch.
The superstar who left money on the table with his extension two years ago.Brunson has single-handedly shifted the reputation of the Knicks, turned them into a contender and etched a place on their Mount Rushmore, averaging 26.3 points per game while unlocking another tier of that production on the postseason stage.When he arrived: 2024How he was acquired: A connection years in the making, the Edison, N.J., native arrived via trade in exchange for a package headlined by Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.How he’s helped them get here: Towns, who grew up a Knicks fan, is one of the best shooting centers of all time and was pegged as the missing piece, the superstar to complement Brunson.
The six-time All-Star has averaged 22.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game across his two seasons with the Knicks, and his point-center role this postseason ignited the offense.When he arrived: 2023How he was acquired: When the first domino in a series of Leon Rose trades fell, Anunoby (and Precious Achiuwa) arrived in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.How he’s helped them get here: Known for his defensive skills, Anunoby has added a dynamic scoring ability since coming to the Knicks — and has averaged 19.7 points per game during this playoff run.He’s an unassuming two-way star who typically draws the most difficult matchup, keeps getting snubbed from All-Defensive First Team honors and makes the most expensive contract in Knicks history ($212.5 million) worth every penny....