A Knicks insider envisions Mike Brown dialing up a bold starting-five shift that could reshape fantasy value in New York. Towns becomes a floor-spacing center while Bridges and Anunoby slide into versatile frontcourt roles, with Hart potentially shifting to the bench for better defensive alignments. Robinson remains a high-impact rim protector if healthy, and Yabusele could be the first big off the bench to preserve size and pace. The move echoes Brown’s recent offenses and contrasts Thibodeau’s playoff rotations, underscoring a bold pivot for 2024-25.

This is less about one star and more about a defense-first, switch-friendly frontcourt with Towns’ shooting and Bridges’ length unlocking off-ball opportunities for Brunson. DiVincenzo’s historical deal to clear cap space and Towns’ arrival set the stage for a more varied rhythm, where Robinson’s health and Yabusele’s niche role could define the early-season ceiling for the Knicks’ fantasy rotations.

New York City’s favorite under-the-radar reshuffle could quietly tilt the Knicks’ fantasy profile this season. Jordan Clarkson’s signing shores up the second unit with shot-making and slash-ability, potentially trimming Miles McBride’s minutes and making him a trade candidate when the roster gets crowded. Guerschon Yabusele adds veteran depth to the bench, giving coach Mike Brown more lineup flexibility and a reliable floor spacer at times. On the other coast, Milwaukee’s move to bring in Turner and the cap-space path tied to Damian Lillard’ situation signals a shifting East where New York and Cleveland lead the pack. These dominoes—plus the health blows to Pacers, Celtics, and Bucks—shape a clearer path for Knicks’ fantasy assets, especially in deeper leagues where bench players and trade leverage swing value. The Knicks’ ascent to the Eastern Conference Finals last season and the aim to energize the offense under Brown make Clarkson a high-upside bet off the pine, while Turner’s defensive radius with the Bucks could lift several teammates’ stat lines.

Daniel Theis moved from New Orleans to Oklahoma City in a February cash dump, clearing salary for New Orleans while signaling a potential pivot in frontcourt plans. Tom Thibodeau chased Theis as insurance for Mitchell Robinson’s ankle issues, but Theis chose Monaco over the Knicks, weighing life, school, and long-term chances over money. In Monaco, he posted 11.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in 23 minutes, shooting efficiently and thriving under Spanoulis. The Knicks then tapped PJ Tucker to bolster wing defense after Theis left. The departure leaves Robinson’s health as the central fantasy variable; with Theis out, Robinson’s floor could rise when healthy, while Tucker’s arrival reshapes the Knicks’ frontcourt dynamics and minutes for other bigs. The overall effect is a shift in Knicks’ defensive versatility and rotation, with Robinson’s health dictating the ceiling for a still-unclear big-man landscape.

The Knicks are one roster spot from a full squad, and New York is eyeing immediate impact off the bench. Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele were added to lift the second unit, addressing a scoring drought that plagued the reserves. The frontcourt is already crowded with Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Ariel Hukporti, leaving one backup five to anchor the year. Thomas Bryant is floated as the final depth piece, giving the Knicks security in case of injuries. The rotation could feature Towns and Robinson in a double-big look with Yabusele sliding to center or Anunoby stepping in, while Bryant provides shot-making and rim presence. Bryant’s late-game role in the Eastern Conference Finals, when he dropped 11 off the bench in Game 6 to blunt the Knicks’ push, underscored the potential value of a versatile big in these matchups. For fantasy managers, the dynamic depth suggests multiple players could contribute across points, rebounds, and threes, with Bryant and Hukporti offering upside as the season progresses, especially in lineups that experiment with spacing and size.

The 2025-26 New York Knicks face critical decisions regarding their starting lineup, particularly with defensive stalwart Mitchell Robinson recovering from injury. Coach Mike Brown has hinted at a faster-paced approach resembling the Golden State Warriors, contrasting last season's more sluggish play. With Robinson expected to return, the Knicks' defensive identity could shift dramatically, as they were among the league's top defenses upon his return last year.

Contract considerations loom large, as both Robinson and Mikal Bridges are eligible for extensions while the Knicks' salary cap situation tightens. The team must weigh the possibility of extending only one player, potentially making Robinson a trade candidate. With various lineup options on the table, including the intriguing prospect of utilizing rookie Pacome Dadiet, Knicks management must make strategic moves that balance immediate performance with long-term financial implications.