After the New York Knicks did not extend Miles McBride’s contract before the August 11 soft deadline, the defending champions have a real possibility of looking for some depth in the frontcourt.
With guard depth being as important as ever in the NBA, here are a few mock trades the Knicks could make involving McBride to bolster their chances of defending their title in 2027.
1. Memphis Grizzlies
Knicks receive: Cam Spencer
Grizzlies receive: McBride
The Knicks have loved their outside shooting, and it was prevalent during their postseason run to win their first championship in 53 years. Cam Spencer averaged 11 points and six assists while shooting a staggering 45% from beyond the arc. With Spencer entering his third year at age 26, he’s slowly entering his prime, which won’t be long, and in Mike Brown’s rotation, where guards play a big role, Spencer is a perfect fit.
This trade immensely benefits McBride, giving him a real opportunity to start for the first time in his career. There’s no question the Grizzlies are in a rebuilding stage, headlined by a young core of Cedric Coward, Cam Boozer and Zach Edey. A player with championship pedigree can headline this young team in the right direction.
2. Brooklyn Nets
Knicks receive: Noah Clowney
Nets receive: McBride
Sending McBride across town in another player-for-player trade makes perfect sense for both franchises. With both players on expiring contracts, the Knicks can gain more stability in their frontcourt if they view Mohamed Diawara as still a project.
On a struggling Nets team, Clowney totaled 12 points, four rebounds and two assists while being a nightly starter in Brooklyn. Adding a player of Clowney’s caliber to a Knicks organization that has showcased a newfound recipe to win basketball games could benefit Clowney’s career.
When the season begins, the Nets will be starting their two first-round picks from the last two seasons in the backcourt, Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. The Nets already have a former teammate of McBride’s in Julius Randle and another scoring option with Michael Porter Jr. McBride would have the keys to the offense, benefiting the proven scorers around him, and he can show he’s a reliable starting point guard in the league.
3. Sacramento Kings
Knicks receive: Dylan Cardwell, 2027 Sacramento second-round pick
Kings receive: McBride
The Kings are in one of the weirder spots in the NBA, as they have a mix of veterans and young players who’ve shown promise, and Dylan Cardwell is one of those players.
Converted off a two-way deal in February 2026, Cardwell is an impressive rebounder and is primed for a bigger role if he stays on Sacramento’s roster heading into the 2026-27 season. But with his short sample size, if this trade were to be done, the Kings would need to add a pick for a player of McBride’s nature. Cardwell fits the Knicks’ timeline and can be a player willing to learn behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond.
Darius Acuff Jr. has all the tools to be one of the most polished scorers in the NBA once he reaches his peak. If he’s given a proper veteran who possesses many of his traits, that can be a massive piece in his development.
With veterans like Domantas Sabonis, DeAndre Hunter, Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, McBride can slot himself in there with Sacramento’s lack of having a proper ballhandler outside of Acuff. Many regard the Kings as the worst roster in basketball, and giving up Cardwell now may help dispel that stereotype.
4. Orlando Magic
Knicks receive: Tristan da Silva
Magic receive: McBride, Pacome Dadiet, 2028 Boston second-round pick
The Magic are postseason contenders and would thrive with a second guard in their bench rotation alongside Anthony Black. Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane are capable players in the NBA, and adding McBride gives the Magic one more.
This projected move also gives the Magic the best roster they’ve had in years. Adding Pacome Dadiet in the trade for Tristan da Silva gives Orlando some depth in the frontcourt, as his time with the Knicks has not panned out. A change of scenery can reshape the landscape of his career alongside another Frenchman, Noah Penda.
This move comes across as a bigger swing for the Knicks, as da Silva has shown great potential over his two years in Orlando. He’s a perfect wing off the bench who can thrive in the frontcourt and has shown strong defensive flashes as well, all things the Knicks need.
Having a chance to have Jose Alvarado, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet, da Silva, and Drummond in their second rotation strengthens the Knicks’ chance to go back-to-back.
