Photo Credit: apnews.com

In the 2025 offseason, it looks more and more likely that the Knicks will bring back their starting lineup from this season, along with a stronger bench.

There were many rumors that the Knicks would be interested in trading for a superstar, such as Giannis or KD, but Leon Rose has put those ideas to bed.

I recently wrote an article about the 3 ways that the team can approach the offseason, and it seems that Plan 1 was the path that the Knicks took.

The addition of Jordan Clarkson (17.9 PPG in 2025) will help the bench scoring tremendously, as the team never had a true shot-maker on the bench this season.

Cam Payne and Deuce McBride were underwhelming in this role, resulting in the Knicks bench often scoring single-digit points nightly.

In addition, signing Yasbuele will increase the Knicks’ spacing, as he averaged 11 PPG and 6 RPG while shooting 38% from 3PT off the Sixers bench. Yasbuele can also step up if any of the starters get injured, resulting in the Knicks’ depth becoming deeper.

This leads to the Knicks having a 9-man rotation of Brunson, Bridges, OG, KAT, Robinson, Clarkson, Hart, McBride, and Yasbuele.

The Knicks need one more guy to fill out their rotation, notably a player who would sign for the vet minimum. In this article, it will discuss the Knicks’ possible targets for the final rotation spot.

1. Chris Paul

One thing that the Knicks don’t have on their bench is a true playmaking point guard. This is where CP3 would enter the fray, as Paul is still a serviceable PG for a 40-year-old.

On the Spurs, he averaged 8.8 PPG, 7.4 APG, shot 38% from 3PT, and 1.3 SPG, which would make him a perfect fit to round out the Knicks rotation.

2. Russell Westbrook

Another potential target for the Knicks would be Russell Westbrook. Similarly to CP3, Westbrook is a much older and less explosive guard than he once was, but he will still bring different roles to the table.

With Denver, Westbrook averaged 13.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 6.1 APG while bouncing between the starting lineup and bench. Russ would fit in seamlessly with the Knicks, as he is a very selfless player and would play a big role when Brunson needs a rest throughout the season.

3. Ben Simmons

The riskiest player out of the possible Knicks targets is Ben Simmons. Simmons would be dynamic on the Knicks and could play a variety of positions, but would frustrate fans due to his constant injuries and load management issues.

With the Clippers and Nets, Simmons averaged 5 PPG, 4 RPG, and 5.6 APG, while only playing in 51/82 games.

With Simmons’ injury risk and offensive limitations, it would be a very high-risk, high-reward signing for Leon Rose and the team!

Photo Credit: forbes.com

4. Damian Lillard

Possibly the most intriguing player that the team can sign is Damian Lillard. A rough timeline of when Lillard can return is from the ASG to the beginning of the playoffs, based on his recovery and other factors.

The risk involved with Dame is extremely high, but the reward would be incredible if the Knicks can get the same player out of Lillard that he’s been his entire career.

In 2025, Lillard averaged 24.9 PPG and 7.1 APG while shooting 37.6% from 3PT and playing in 58 games. He would strengthen the Knicks bench and roster as a whole if he can regain his form after his torn Achilles injury!

Overall, Leon Rose and the Knicks have to figure out their last spot in the rotation and they certainly have several targets they can sign!