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Three Free Agents Knicks Should Target to Finish 2026-27 Roster
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- Three Free Agents Knicks Should Target to Finish 2026-27 Roster
The New York Knicks have secured most of their roster for the 2026-27 season, but while they've managed to retain some of their most crucial pieces, they still have some glaring holes left within their roster. '
The biggest issue with the Knicks roster as it is, which was the same problem as the Knicks facd last season, is their severe lack of size in their roster.
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As it stands, the Knicks have two roster spots remaining and at the present moment both of those roster spots leave a vacancy at the center position.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) and center Mason Plumlee (45) react during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
As it stands, the Knicks three centers are Karl-Anthony Towns , Andre Drummond and Mohamed Diawara , but they need to further address their lacking center depth if they want to be able to compete both late in games and late in the season. To do that, the Knicks will have to turn toward free agency to address their needs, but that may be difficult considering the Knicks financial constraints.
Owner James Dolan made it clear when the offseason began that the Knicks weren't going to go into the second apron no matter what, and with the Knicks only being just over $3 million away from the second apron, their free agency options are limited.
Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) goes to the basket defended by Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee (22) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
But with those restrictions in mind, there are three potential free agents that the Knicks could target that would not only fit in their budget, but address their roster needs.
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Mason Plumlee
Mason Plumlee only played six games for the San Antonio Spurs last season after suffering a groin injury that derailed his season and in the past few seasons Plumlee has bounced around the league for several seasons and hasn't had much of a chance to prove himself at the NBA level since the 2024-25 season, where he played 74 games.
Phoenix Suns center Mason Plumlee (22) makes a pass against Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) during the first half at Footprint Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
But when Plumlee has been on the NBA floor consistently, he's shown that he can be an dependable presence with both his size and his defensive presence and he would come at an affordable cost for the Knicks.
Xavier Tillman
Xavier Tillman has never had a major role on a NBA roster in his six seasons, but in the limited time that he's had on the court in his career, Tillman has had the physical presence at 6'8 and 245 pounds that he could use to be a legitimate physical presence for the Knicks that could be depended on late in games.
Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) grabs a rebound away from Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the first half at Rocket Arena. David Dermer-Imagn Images
Keshad Johnson
While the Knicks have a critical need at center, they also need more depth at the four as well. By adding more versatility in big men in general, the Knicks would be able to stretch themselves further into games.
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To add more depth at the four, they could add Keshad Johnson, who most recently played for the Miami Heat .
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson (16) celebrates with the trophy after winning the slam dunk competition during the 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Last season for the Heat, Johnson averaged 4.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 0.5 steals per game in 32 games, and after making $1.3 million last season, Johnson would present an affordable option for the Knicks and give then the size and the roster versatility that they need to stretch out their depth late into games.
