NBA Rumors: Knicks “guaranteed” to land a superstar in the near future

It is no secret that the New York Knicks have been pursuing a star, even while they have managed to build a solid team. In fact, last season’s Knicks won an impressive 47 games in a loaded Eastern Conference and made it to the East semi-finals. Factor in a good NBA offseason, and the Knicks have plenty to look forward to, even as they simultaneously pursue a star to take them to the next level.

Obviously, Knicks fans have been let down over the years, with New York being linked to several stars but striking out time and time again. However, those hopes received a shot in the arm with Bill Simmons’ comments on his latest podcast regarding the Knicks and the possibility of them adding a star in the near future.

Bill Simmons guarantees a superstar landing in New York by next year
“They’ll get one of those three guys, I guarantee. Giannis, Embiid, or Mitchell will be on that team a year from now.”
(h/t @KnicksMuse ) pic.twitter.com/FdU5clPuVs
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 11, 2023

NBA Rumors: The Knicks “guaranteed” to land one of three superstars in the near future.

Simmons is known to qualify statements like these, but he seemed confident enough to guarantee that one of Donovan Mitchell, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or Joel Embiid would end up with the Knicks by this time next year. Of the three, Mitchell seems to be the most likely candidate, considering he is an unrestricted free agent after next season, and the summer of 2024 will be the first time in his career that he has ever been able to choose his team.

The Knicks were viewed as the frontrunners to land him before the Cleveland Cavaliers snatched him away, but rumors have persisted that Mitchell will eventually end up with the Knicks. Then there is the small but real possibility of a trade between the Cavs and Knicks if it becomes clear that Mitchell doesn’t plan on re-signing in Cleveland. Stranger things have happened, and it’s not like we’ve never seen a star force his way to his team of choice, even in the middle of a season.

Ultimately, if Simmons is right, then by next summer, the Knicks could have added a superstar to an already impressive roster. Still, a lot of things can change in a year, so for now, this remains a rumor.

Published on 09/13/2023 at 12:30 PM EDT
Last updated on 09/13/2023 at 12:30 PM EDT