The New York Knicks are expected to be active in trade talks this summer as they prepare for an NBA Finals run in the 2025-26 campaign.
New York fell to the Indiana Pacers in a 4-2 series loss during the Eastern Conference finals. However, the conference appears wide open next season, with stars like Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton all expected to miss significant time after suffering torn Achilles injuries in the 2025 playoffs.
Several teams have already made significant trades to shore up their rosters this offseason, and the Knicks could be next in line.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post compiled a mock trade that would send 3-and-D specialist Herbert Jones to New York, giving the club another solid frontcourt option.
Here’s Bondy’s proposed trade:
Knicks receive: Herbert Jones
Pelicans receive: Mitchell Robinson and unspecified draft capital
Jones is under contract through the 2026-27 season, while Robinson is set to become an unrestricted free agent after next season. Although New York may need to include a first-round pick for Jones, he would provide versatility on the wing and a scoring boost.
The 26-year-old is recovering from a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, which required surgery in February. However, he’s expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp. Jones appeared in 20 regular-season games in 2024-25, averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.1 three-pointers per game during that span. While he struggled with three-point efficiency last season, he has still shot 36.6 percent from downtown over his four-year career.
