The New York Knicks are heading into the 2024-25 season with a notable void at the center position after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. With Mitchell Robinson as the expected starter, he remains the only true seven-footer in the rotation, creating a significant depth issue for the team.
Despite efforts to bolster their frontcourt, the Knicks failed to land two of their top free-agent targets, Omer Yurtseven and Bruno Fernando. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, New York actively pursued both players to no avail.
“Earlier in the offseason, the Knicks had interest in signing Bruno Fernando, but he eventually joined the Toronto Raptors on a non-guaranteed deal in early August,” Begley reported. “Additionally, the Knicks made an offer to Omer Yurtseven, but he didn’t give it strong consideration and ultimately agreed to terms with European club Panathinaikos.”
Both Yurtseven and Fernando would have addressed the Knicks’ need for size and interior presence, especially with Robinson’s history of injuries. Although the team can rely on 6’8″ forward Precious Achiuwa to fill in at center, his natural position is power forward. Meanwhile, Robinson’s durability remains a concern, given his two ankle surgeries last season and recurring lower-body injuries.
Will the Knicks Pursue a Trade for a Backup Center?
With the free-agent market thinning, the Knicks may look to make a trade to address their need for a backup center. There have been rumors linking New York to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, but the high asking price might deter the team from making such a move.
Begley outlined potential internal options for the Knicks, though none seem to be a perfect fit.
“Sims, 25, doesn’t have much starting experience, and while Achiuwa can play center, he’s more suited for power forward. Hukporti is a rookie. The Knicks could even experiment with Julius Randle at center in the second unit, but whether that gives them enough depth remains a question as training camp approaches,” said Begley.
Knicks’ Next Steps Before Training Camp
With a few weeks left before the start of training camp, the Knicks will need to evaluate their current roster and consider how best to replace the contributions Hartenstein provided during his two years with the team. While a major signing or blockbuster trade seems unlikely, even a small roster move could make a significant impact on a team with championship aspirations in 2024.
The clock is ticking, and the Knicks will need to find a solution to their center depth dilemma soon.
Leave a Reply