The New York Knicks are actively preparing for a possible scenario where Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James could become available via buyout. As the Lakers consider parting ways with the veteran forward, the Knicks have joined several other teams closely monitoring the situation, all hoping to add the basketball icon to their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
Teams Await Decision on James’ Future
With the offseason underway, multiple franchises, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks, are positioning themselves to act swiftly should LeBron James enter buyout discussions. A prominent league source observed,
“Most teams…are waiting to see if James is bought out before next season.”
—Anonymous League Insider
For the Knicks, financial restrictions mean they would be limited to offering James only a veteran minimum contract in the event of a buyout. The salary cap structure imposes significant constraints—teams surpassing the second apron face restrictions when signing buyout players during the season, which increases the urgency to finalize moves before the schedule begins.
LeBron’s History and Renewed Ties with New York
LeBron James’ past flirtations with the Knicks franchise add complexity to this unfolding story. His agent, Rich Paul, recently reconciled with Knicks president Leon Rose, reestablishing a connection that had been dormant for some time. This renewed relationship opens a potential path for James to bring his celebrated career to Madison Square Garden, a fitting stage to conclude his legacy.
The recent acquisition of Jordan Clarkson, also represented by Klutch Sports—Rich Paul’s agency—further signals a strengthening link between the Knicks and Paul, possibly paving the way for LeBron’s arrival.
Trade Strategies and Financial Hurdles
While a buyout remains the primary focus, trade options have not been ruled out. ESPN analyst Bobby Marks identified the Knicks as a serious contender in this arena, mentioning a possible one-for-one trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns if James requests a move from the Lakers.
Zach Lowe of The Ringer added that more complex trade scenarios could help the Knicks manage salary cap flexibility. He noted,
“To me, the Knicks are the most interesting one,”
—Zach Lowe, NBA Analyst suggesting a deal that could include players like OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson, which would benefit both New York and Los Angeles.
However, the Knicks face their own salary limitations. The addition of French forward Guerschon Yabusele has placed the team at the second apron hard cap, preventing them from combining salaries for a large trade. Without offloading salary in a separate deal, the Knicks’ ability to pull off a blockbuster trade involving James is severely hampered.
The Stakes and What Lies Ahead
As speculation intensifies, the Knicks remain a key player in discussions regarding LeBron James’ next chapter. Adding a four-time NBA champion could dramatically shift New York’s trajectory and possibly end the franchise’s five-decade championship drought. Moreover, landing James in Madison Square Garden would elevate his already legendary status and create a memorable conclusion to his career on one of basketball’s biggest stages.
The coming weeks will be critical as teams and fans watch closely for developments in Los Angeles. Whether through buyout or trade, the potential arrival of LeBron James in New York could shape the NBA landscape for years to come.