The Value of Retaining Miles McBride for the Knicks

The New York Knicks celebrated a historic moment in June by securing their first NBA championship in 53 years. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in a decisive five-game series. As the team prepares for another season, most of the championship roster returns, with a few contract decisions looming.

Among these players is Miles McBride, the team’s longest-tenured member, who is in his contract’s final year, earning just under $4 million. The deadline for contract extensions passed on August 11 without an agreement, making McBride a potential trade asset in proposals eyeing a backup center.

However, trading McBride would be a significant misstep. SB Nation’s Posting and Toasting highlighted that McBride’s modest salary is an advantage, arguing that finding a dependable two-way player for under $4 million is increasingly rare. Trading his $4 million contract would likely bring back only a low-tier center, someone who might struggle to handle ball screens and see little action in critical playoff games.

Looking back, the Knicks have faced similar dilemmas. Last season, even amid uncertainties about re-signing Mitchell Robinson, team president Leon Rose chose not to trade him. Robinson played an essential role in their championship victory. Miles McBride deserves a similar chance to contribute.

In a statement shared by SNY, Knicks’ head coach Mike Brown deferred the decision to the team’s management. Brown expressed confidence, saying, “At the end of the day, he wants to be here, we want him to be here, and that’s something that I have faith in Leon, and even Deuce’s representatives, to figure that out.”

McBride, known for his defensive tenacity and improving offense, holds greater worth to the Knicks than any underutilized center they could acquire. He achieved a career-high average of 12 points per game, shot 41.3% from beyond the arc, and continues to press opposition guards across the court.

Allowing McBride to leave without compensation next summer would be painful. Losing him now, in exchange for a player with minimal impact, could jeopardize the Knicks’ hopes of defending their title.