Knicks face tough decision on Miles McBride's future

Itiel Estudillo

Knicks face tough decision on Miles McBride's future image

Miles McBride is entering the second season of his three-year deal with the New York Knicks, but his long-term fit with the team remains in question. He is set to make $4.3 million this season and just under $4 million in the final year of his contract. While his value is clear, analysts believe his future in New York is far from secure.

Drew Maresca of ClutchPoints addressed the situation directly, saying McBride “could be traded soon.” The reasoning comes down to money and roster construction. The Knicks will own McBride’s full Bird rights in 2027, which means they’ll have the ability to match any contract offer he receives. But as Maresca explained:

“Will they want to pay more than $10 million annually plus luxury tax penalties for a role player?”

Miles McBride’s depth chart pressure & potential trade value

The New York Knicks’ backcourt is crowded, and Miles McBride could find himself in a battle for minutes. With Jordan Clarkson expected to have a role and veterans like Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon in the mix, McBride may be the odd man out despite his reliability. His defense and energy have made him a fan favorite, but business realities often outweigh intangibles.

For now, McBride stays in New York, but whispers around his future suggest a move could happen before he hits free agency. Whether the Knicks decide to pay him long-term or flip him for value will depend on how he performs this season and how much they want to invest in a player currently viewed as a dependable but replaceable piece.

Itiel Estudillo

Itiel Estudillo is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a seasoned NBA analyst with years of experience in the basketball industry. His passion for the game started on the hardwood, and one of the standout moments of his career was covering the 2023 FIBA World Cup, a milestone that solidified his place in sports reporting. Beyond analysis, Itiel has lent his voice as a play-by-play commentator for various developmental leagues across the Philippines.