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Miles McBride’s resurgence could change Knicks’ trade plans
Miles McBride has rebounded from a slow start to the season, improving his shooting and becoming a more useful option for the Knicks. His recent form could affect plans to trade him for a centre, especially as his contract is expiring and the team may struggle to re-sign him while staying below the NBA’s second salary cap threshold.
Across his first five games, McBride averaged 6.4 points on 35.7 per cent shooting; over the next six, he averaged 9.2 points on 51.3 per cent shooting, including 14-for-30 from three-point range. He hit five three-pointers in Wednesday’s 115-107 loss to Cleveland, while his minutes have risen amid Mikal Bridges’ struggles. Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton will miss Friday’s NBA Cup game with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for at least 10 more days; he could return for the teams’ 22 November meeting in New York.
In short
- McBride’s improved shooting may change the Knicks’ trade plans.
- He made 14 of 30 three-pointers across six games.
- Tyrese Haliburton remains out with a hamstring injury.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
McBride’s improved shooting and growing role may make him more valuable to the Knicks than a trade for a centre, particularly if his defence and reliable outside shooting strengthen the rotation. Keeping him could also preserve depth and avoid giving up a player who is contributing during a demanding season.
The case against
The Knicks may have a pressing need for a centre, and McBride’s recent scoring run spans only six games, so it may be unwise to let a short-term improvement derail a useful trade. With his contract expiring and the salary rules potentially making a re-signing difficult, trading him while his value is elevated could help the team address its needs and avoid losing him for little in return.
Explained simply
Miles McBride is a guard for the New York Knicks, an NBA team based in New York. He can score from long range and has taken on a larger role when other players have struggled.
The Knicks may look for a centre through a trade, while McBride’s contract is due to expire. Keeping him could be difficult because NBA teams face limits on how much they can spend on player wages, including a higher threshold that brings added restrictions.
His form matters to the Knicks’ choices about whether to keep him or include him in a trade. Those choices affect how the team balances its backcourt, where guards play, with its need for players at centre.