Many around the league see Jalen Brunson‘s new contract as a major pay cut. The 27-year-old has been the Knicks’ best player since he departed from Dallas. On the other hand, the franchise has been doing its best to develop a team around Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo, the core. To their luck, Bridges recently signed with the Knicks, reuniting with his Villanova teammates. However, Isaiah Hartenstein, who was also a crucial piece to the Knicks roster, signed a three-year deal with the Thunder. Now this opens a window for a reliable forward that the franchise can look for to add alongside their already strong core.

Initially, their eyes were on the Rockets’ Alperen Sengun. Sengun drastically improved his game this past season, ranking third among the most improved players. At the end of the day, the Knicks had a lot of room to add someone like him to their roster. But then again, their plans may have been shattered after recent news. Rockets’ GM, Rafael Stone plans to keep Sengun for the long run, shutting down any transactions that would include him.

But the Knicks are already a contender in the East. Yes, they came up short in the second round, with Brunson being their only leader. At some point, Randle will be back all healthy, which will solidify the Knicks. Brunson, Hart, DiVincenzo, Anunoby, Bridges, and Randle are the bedrock of this franchise. These guys are enough to make a statement heading into the next season. The Knicks need not to add forwards like Sengun or any other. Of course, they can look to deepen their roster, but for now, their assets are enough to lead them to a deep postseason run.

Jalen Brunson was eligible for a contract that would fetch him over $250 million. However, Brunson agreed on a contract worth $156.5 million. Now this may be a $113 million sacrifice, but it would only mean something if the franchise plans to bring any useful assets to support the core. But what does the offseason look like for the Knicks at this point?

The Knicks may be forced to introduce an All-Star after Jalen Brunson’s contract

Yes, the franchise has enough talent to make a possible title run, but this offseason plays a crucial role. Brunson is a respectable player and for the Knicks to pass on the remaining finances of his possible max contract wouldn’t be too good. The Lakers suffered the same after failing to ass any free agents when LeBron James was willing to take a pay cut. Obviously, the Knicks don’t want to be one of them. Instead of looking for an expensive player, the Knicks can look to add more than one asset to the roster.

There are a few free agents available who the franchise can sign. The salary cap will play a role, as the Knicks are around $4 million under the first apron. Apart from that, they are hard-capped at the second apron. But the good thing is, they can adjust the flexibility if they want to add multiple assets for the upcoming season. Led by Brunson and company, the Knicks have a great chance at a title run and even better chances at making out of the East. It will be interesting to see how well the franchise manages to deepen its roster.

What are your thoughts on New York’s current squad? Do you think they need a better player? Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker Leonard Armato had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this exclusive video by EssentiallySports.