Knicks Morning News (2025.11.16)

But still, defensive big is the hole that needs to be filled. Third string lead guard less so. If you can fill both, great. But it’s clear which one is the bigger issue. In fact, I’d also put “perimeter defender” above third lead guard as a priority as well.

The point I’m trying to make is not that 3rd lead guard is our top priority.

It’s that:

A) Kolek has no present value, a fact underscored by Brown not even trusting him when Brunson is out and he needed some PG minutes

B) the many players who signed for the vet min this summer have real present value.

C) Kolek’s future value is worth less than the present value of those players, so his best value to us right now is as matching salary.

You can use that matching salary to solve whatever problem you think needs to be solved.

I personally would trade Huk, Kolek, and 2nds for either Bagley or Landale. Then I’d sign either Simmons or Wright to replace Kolek. Then we’d actually have 12 replacement level players instead of 10.