The New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets are not sitting idle this offseason. With both franchises coming off promising but ultimately disappointing playoff runs, front office executives are now laser-focused on making key roster upgrades to push their teams over the top. Sources around the league confirm that the Knicks and Nuggets have entered deep discussions with agents and rival teams, signaling that both teams are in a serious mission to land top-tier talent.
For the New York Knicks, their recent resurgence has brought new energy to Madison Square Garden. Under head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks have developed a defensive identity and made significant progress in the Eastern Conference. However, it’s clear that more offensive firepower is needed to complement their gritty core of Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett. League insiders suggest the Knicks are exploring sign-and-trade options and are willing to part with future draft picks to bring in a star-caliber player.
Names linked to New York’s wishlist include Donovan Mitchell, a player long rumored to have mutual interest in joining the Knicks, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who has connections with team leadership. While these moves would require substantial assets in return, the Knicks have the cap flexibility and young assets to create compelling packages. With owner James Dolan reportedly giving the green light to be aggressive, New York is expected to remain in the spotlight throughout the free agency period.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are approaching the offseason with a championship-or-bust mentality. After winning the title in 2023, they fell short in their title defense in 2024. Nikola Jokić remains the engine of the team, but the supporting cast around him needs a boost. With Jamal Murray’s health always a variable and Michael Porter Jr.’s consistency still in question, Denver’s front office is looking to add a reliable two-way player to strengthen the lineup.
The Nuggets are reportedly eyeing wings and combo guards who can stretch the floor while providing stout perimeter defense. Bruce Brown, a key piece in their 2023 title run, is one name floating around for a possible reunion, although cap constraints make it tricky. Denver could also get creative by using their mid-level exception and exploring trades involving draft picks or role players like Zeke Nnaji and Christian Braun.
Both teams share a common goal: surround their superstars with enough talent to make a deep playoff run. For the Knicks, that means acquiring a player who can help carry the scoring load when the game slows down in the postseason. For the Nuggets, it’s about filling the gaps that were exposed during their recent playoff exit — especially in bench production and wing depth.
The urgency from both organizations reflects the highly competitive nature of the current NBA landscape. With powerhouses like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Oklahoma City Thunder making moves of their own, standing still is not an option for teams with championship aspirations.
As negotiations continue, fans in New York and Denver are eagerly watching every tweet, report, and rumor. The stakes are high, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could determine each team’s fate for years to come.
The 2025 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory — and both the Knicks and Nuggets are making it clear they intend to be at the center of it.