After 53 long years, the New York Knicks are once again the kings of the NBA, after dismantling the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Many expected their showdown to go seven games, especially given how VICTOR WEMBANYAMA and the young Spurs booted the then-defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the Spurs’ relative lack of postseason experience and maturity ultimately led to their defeat in the Finals.
Looking ahead to next season, the Silver and Black face some burning questions during the hiatus.
The De’Aaron Fox Dilemma
The first major issue management must address is what to do with DE’AARON FOX. The nine-year veteran was traded to the Spurs halfway through last season, and his presence at the point was a major boost for a team that certainly needed his playmaking abilities. But when it was time to play for all the marbles, Fox practically disappeared. In the Finals, he averaged a dismal 12.8 points while shooting 34.3 percent from the field and 25 percent from three.
He had his moments in a Spurs jersey, but his worst blunder came in Game 4, when he rushed an unwarranted layup that was blocked by OG ANUNOBY, which directly led to Anunoby’s game-winning tip-in.
While fans want to trade him—especially with the rapid emergence of rookie DYLAN HARPER as an already-capable lead guard—finding a suitor will be difficult. The 28-year-old has a shiny four-year, $228.6 million extension kicking in this offseason, featuring a massive $51 million cap hit for the 2026-27 season, making him a near-untradable asset. If anything, head coach MITCH JOHNSON might consider shifting Fox to the bench in favor of Harper in certain matchups.
Improving on the Margins
The other major question is what else the front office needs to do to get over the hump. Being that close to a championship understandably stings for Wemby and the crew, and while many want them to make a radical move via free agency or trade, that remains highly unlikely to happen.
Remember, San Antonio was not even supposed to be here. OKC were the heavy favorites heading into the season, and it took a Herculean effort from Wembanyama to turn the tables. In short, the Spurs did the unthinkable but simply were not ready for the brightest spotlight.
It won’t be an easy road back to the Finals, but with VICTOR WEMBANYAMA entering his fourth NBA season, the squad will be much more formidable. Instead of chasing blockbusters, they just have to improve on the margins and come back stronger. The Knicks may be celebrating now, but the rest of the NBA needs to hold on, as the Spurs will be out for vengeance next season.
