### Knicks’ Offseason Plans and Key Free Agents
The Knicks have a busy offseason ahead, building on a solid foundation led by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith in his offseason preview. Returning players under contract include Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson, and Miles McBride, along with Bojan Bogdanovic, who might be used as a trade asset due to his partially guaranteed salary.
New York’s primary focus will be on their two key free agents: OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein. Re-signing Anunoby may be more straightforward, as the Knicks hold his full Bird rights. Smith suggests a four-year, $160 million deal would be appropriate for Anunoby, reflecting his performance and the assets traded for him (Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and draft picks).
In contrast, Hartenstein may be harder to retain, with the Knicks limited to offering him an average annual salary of about $18.1 million. Teams like the Thunder and Magic, who have ample cap space, might outbid New York. However, Hartenstein might choose to stay if the financial difference is not substantial, preferring his current role. Smith proposes a potential two-year deal that would allow Hartenstein to enter free agency again before turning 28, offering the Knicks full Bird rights when the salary cap is expected to rise.
Re-signing both Anunoby and Hartenstein would push the Knicks into the second luxury tax apron, restricting their ability to trade for a star player. This decision will also impact their approach to re-signing other free agents like Precious Achiuwa, Alec Burks, and Jericho Sims.
### Potential Trade Targets
Fred Katz of The Athletic explores possible star trade targets for the Knicks, assessing their realism. Katz lists Devin Booker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lauri Markkanen, Brandon Ingram, Joel Embiid, and Zach LaVine as potential candidates, but suggests only a trade for Markkanen appears feasible for both sides.
### Celtics’ Missed Opportunities
The Celtics, who built their 2024 title team, nearly made several significant trades in previous years. They had discussions about acquiring stars like Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard. ESPN’s Zach Lowe reports the Celtics even made a substantial offer to move up to No. 9 in the 2015 draft to select Justise Winslow. Additionally, they attempted to secure a second lottery pick in 2017 to draft Donovan Mitchell and tried to trade for him after Utah selected him.
### Nets’ Draft Rights Update
Vanja Marinkovic is returning to Partizan Mozzart Bet after signing a two-year deal. Marinkovic, who has played 119 games with Partizan, has his draft rights held by the Nets following a three-team trade involving Royce O’Neale. Marinkovic was the No. 60 overall pick in the 2019 draft.
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