Knicks Reportedly Considered Signing Free Agent Big Man

After reaching the Eastern Conference finals last season for the first time since 2000, the New York Knicks have a special opportunity to bring home their first NBA championship since 1973.

The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers aren’t expected to be factors due to the Achilles injuries Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton suffered in the playoffs, which has opened the door even more for the Knicks. But New York may need a little more depth off the bench in order to seal the deal next spring and summer.

While the team has brought in Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon to augment its backcourt, it could use some more depth up front. According to insider Jake Fischer, New York considered signing center Thomas Bryant in free agency, but instead decided to target perimeter 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”

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Bryant is a 6-foot-10, 248-pound veteran who was with the Pacers last season as they came within one win of capturing the Larry O’Brien Trophy. He isn’t a powerful rebounder or defender, but he has a history of being able to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting.

While his 3-point efficiency has fallen over the last two seasons, he shot over 40% from that distance during the 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons.

Right now, the Knicks’ depth chart has Karl-Anthony Towns, who was an All-Star starter this past season, as their starter at the 5 spot. Behind him is Mitchell Robinson, and newcomer Guerschon Yabusele could play at the 5 a bit as well.

Robinson started four games in the 2025 Eastern Conference finals, with Towns starting at the 4 during those contests. That lineup showed a bit of potential, as the Knicks won two of those games after falling behind 0-2 to Indiana in the series.

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It remains to be seen if new head coach Mike Brown, who is replacing Tom Thibodeau, will favor going with two big men in his starting lineup or opt for a more modern starting five with OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges manning both forward spots.

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