2 days Ago By The Ringer Staff
Much like the Boston Celtics’ run to this year’s title , 2024 NBA free agency has been quick, methodical, and efficient. With the NBA’s new second apron rules hovering over the league, there haven’t been the usual drastic twists and turns we’re accustomed to. Instead, the movement has been more subtle.
Paul George to Philly, Klay Thompson to Dallas, and a slew of other moves that are notable but not mind-blowing. To wrap our heads around all the action and examine how it will affect next season, The Ringer paneled four of its writers to examine the ripple effects of NBA free agency so far. Danny Chau: Knicks.
Matching up with Boston means having to get a little weird. With the number of versatile wing defenders on this squad, New York is now as well suited as anyone to contain the best five-out team in basketball. The Knicks have not only raised their talent quotient immeasurably with the acquisition of Mikal Bridges but have also created an ecosystem that will allow Julius Randle, notably absent during the whole Knicksanity playoff run, to play the small-ball 5 role that was a significant reason for his breakout with the Pelicans in 2018-19.
Losing Isaiah Hartenstein is a bummer, but I’m curious to see how much of an impact Randle’s third act—now under far less pressure and scrutiny—can make on this sweetheart Knicks squad. Matt Dollinger: 76ers. It’s been a tough 14 months for Joel Embiid, having to watch both Nikola Jokic and the Boston Celtics win titl.
