The New York Knicks are preparing their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season, with franchise star Jalen Brunson leading the charge. As the offseason develops, the team is exploring options to complement Brunson, and among the remaining free agents, one player stands out as an ideal fit for the Knicks’ needs.
Under new head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks are shaping their roster according to his vision, and a free agent with a history alongside Brown could be exactly what the team requires. That player is Trey Lyles, who emerged as a recommended target in recent coverage from The Daily Knicks by Mikail Nakhuda.
Why Trey Lyles is an Ideal Fit for the Knicks
Although the top tiers of free agents have mostly been signed, Trey Lyles remains available and is considered one of the quality players left on the market. Lyles has a proven connection with Mike Brown, who coached him during their time together with the Sacramento Kings. This existing relationship gives Lyles a leg up in adapting quickly to Brown’s system in New York.
During the Kings’ 2023 playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, Brown made a notable strategic adjustment by shifting Lyles to the center position. Basketball analyst Zach Lowe highlighted the move, stating,
“Trey Lyles at the five was a big adjustment in that series against the Warriors. That was kind of a funky move by Mike Brown, and it worked.”
This successful experiment demonstrated their effective collaboration and tactical flexibility.
Bringing in Lyles would also provide Brown with a familiar player who understands his coaching style, something invaluable for a coach looking to establish his influence early in New York.
How Lyles Complements Jalen Brunson
The Daily Knicks article points out that Trey Lyles would be
“the perfect fit beside Jalen Brunson in New York.”
As the Knicks’ franchise cornerstone, Brunson benefits from having dependable teammates who can complement his play without requiring extensive adjustment periods.
Nakhuda further explains,
“Lyles would slot in perfectly alongside him. The great thing about it is that he would not need to be taught the system or the expectations; Brown already knows how to use him.”
This seamless integration would help the team maintain continuity and effectiveness on the court.
Additionally,
“Right now, the Knicks have space on the roster to add a player like this. Giving Mike Brown a familiar face to work with could go a long way, and it makes total sense why they should get a deal done,”
Nakhuda adds. This highlights the practical roster flexibility for the Knicks to secure Lyles and enhance their lineup depth.
The prospect of seeing Brunson and Lyles play together excites many, not because it may seem like a headline-grabbing acquisition, but for its potential to create a cohesive and productive on-court partnership. This pairing could play a key role in pushing the Knicks closer to lasting success.
The Potential Impact of Signing Trey Lyles
Signing Trey Lyles would not only strengthen the Knicks’ frontcourt but would also reinforce Mike Brown’s strategy by surrounding Brunson with players who already fit his coaching approach. This continuity could accelerate the team‘s development and performance during the 2025-26 season.
As the Knicks finalize their roster, targeting Lyles offers an effective way to capitalize on existing relationships and proven compatibility, which could ultimately improve team chemistry and results. For a franchise aiming to make a significant leap forward, this move holds promising potential.