The New York Knicks came so close to going all the way during the 2024-25 season, and they’re determined to make sure they don’t fall short again. The team parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau during the offseason, and they’re currently looking for their next head coach.
Even without that coach in place, the Knicks are making moves this offseason to lock in key players to compliment Jalen Brunson and the rest of the squad. Now, a fantastic player is expected to hit free agency, and if he does, it’s possible the Knicks will pick him up and find that he’s an “immediate upgrade” from what they had before.
A Player the Knicks Might Not Be Able to Pass Up
While the New York Knicks are putting together their lineup for the 2025-26 season, one player stands out as a possible prefect fit for the team.
The Dallas Mavericks seem to want to hang onto Dante Exum, but it might not be possible. According to Marc Stein of the Stein Line, the Mavs would like to keep him, but they may not have enough room to make it happen.
“League sources say that the Mavericks also have interest in re-signing guard Dante Exum, who becomes a free agent Monday,” Stein stated. “But signing Russell or any other veteran guard with their taxpayer midlevel exception would take Dallas’ roster to a full 15 standard contracts. There won’t be room for Exum if the Mavericks get to 15.”
Stein added that the Mavericks might also want to sign D’Angelo Russell, which would really fill up their roster. He noted that while free agency doesn’t officially begin until Monday, June 30, at 6 p.m. Eastern time, “league sources say that numerous teams are operating under the belief that the Sacramento Kings have the best chance to sign Dennis Schröder away from the Detroit Pistons, while the Dallas Mavericks are increasingly regarded as the favorites to sign D’Angelo Russell.”
So, if the Mavs sign Russell, that would pack their roster, giving the Knicks and any other NBA teams the chance to lock in Exum in free agency.
The Case for the Knicks to Sign Dante Exum
Exum is showing some strong numbers lately. Last season, he averaged 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists and shot 47.8% from the field and 43.4% from behind the arc on 2.7 three-point attempts per game.
In a June 29 feature for Daily Knicks, Jack Simone states that “Exum could be perfect for the Knicks.”
“As it stands, the Knicks have Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride holding down the guard position, with a slew of wings alongside them,” Simone notes in the piece. “This past year, Cameron Payne held things down outside of those two guys, but Exum would be an immediate upgrade for a cheap price.”
He adds that “Exum’s defense would be very helpful for the Knicks, and his catch-and-shoot three-point shooting and solid ball handling would be helpful, too. New York wouldn’t need Exum to play a ton of minutes, but he could give them a solid 20 per game with ease.”
The chance to lap Exum up in free agency may be just too good to pass up for a team like the Knicks, who is finally a true championship contender.
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