Abu Dhabi exposed the Knicks’ early-season gaps: a rough start, injuries thinning the wings, and turnover-prone offense. Brunson steadied the ship as the offense struggled, while a revamped bench sparked a 61-point swing in the second half. Mitch Robinson dominated the boards in limited minutes, Dadiet flashed potential but misfired from deep, and the depth look remains promising for fantasy—yet health and consistency will decide the path forward.

Landry Shamet returns to New York on a minimum-salary pact, slotting in as a seasoned 3-and-D wing for a Knicks squad aiming for a title. The deal completes a lean, versatile rotation built to maximize two-way depth with the starting core of Brunson and Towns anchoring the attack.

Around that core, Bridges, Anunoby and Hart form a formidable wing trio, while Robinson provides rim protection and McBride, Clarkson, Yabusele and Hukporti round out the second unit with shooting, defense and upside. The Knicks maintain roster flexibility to chase another veteran via trade if needed.

The move signals a deliberate, high-floor gambit: add playoff-tested shooting and defense without sacrificing a future roster path, keeping development options open for Dadiet, Kolek and Hukporti as growth pieces behind the depth chart.