After another successful Eastern Conference season, the New York Knicks have been busy this offseason, making roster changes. Malcolm Brogdon and Jordan Clarkson were brought in to provide Tom Thibodeau with more options for playmaking and scoring, but according to a recent report, the front office gave strengthening the frontcourt serious consideration instead.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Knicks weighed a move for veteran center Thomas Bryant before ultimately deciding to double down on wing and guard depth. “There is another vet Knicks considered signing in recent days. League sources say the Knicks weighed bringing in Thomas Bryant after team officials visited with the big man. New York ultimately decided to prioritize wing & backcourt depth,” Fischer reported.
Bryant’s journeyman career
Bryant has quietly carved out a niche across eight NBA seasons, providing energy, rebounding, and efficient finishing for a variety of teams. He was selected in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft and has played for the Lakers, Wizards, Heat, Nuggets, and most recently, the Pacers, with whom he made it to the NBA Finals the previous season.
The Knicks’ reasons for searching elsewhere
After Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson, Bryant was a possible depth addition for New York. His size and rim protection could have given Thibodeau another option, especially with Robinson’s injury history always looming. However, the Knicks brass ultimately concluded that shoring up the perimeter was a higher priority.
The team’s immediate needs were met by Brogdon’s versatility as a scorer and facilitator and Clarkson’s ability to produce offense instantly. With Jalen Brunson emerging as a star but carrying a heavy workload, adding experienced guards to ease the pressure made more sense than chasing frontcourt insurance.
What’s next for Bryant
While he won’t be in orange and blue, Bryant remains one of those dependable veterans who is constantly on the radar of playoff hopefuls. His ability to slot into a second unit, provide hustle plays, and defend bigger bodies means he will continue to attract attention across the league.
For the Knicks, the decision highlights a clear identity: betting on perimeter depth and offensive variety as they aim to finally break through in the East.
