The New York Knicks are entering the 2024 offseason as the opportune time to trade for a big star, sources tell Fred Katz of The Athletic.

The Knicks have been patient in their efforts in trading for a star, such as the 2022 offseason when they couldn't agree on a deal with the Utah Jazz for Donovan Mitchell.

New York's roster will be more expensive a year from now as Julius Randle can become a free agent in 2025 and will probably receive a raise, as will Jalen Brunson. Brunson can sign an extension now, or wait until 2025 free agency to sign for a max.

The Knicks own all of their future first round picks, as well as the Dallas Mavericks' first round pick this June, and several protected picks from other teams.

The Denver Nuggets were a popular pick to repeat as champion, but they were ultimately eliminated in the second round by a Minnesota Timberwolves team with the requisite size and defense to slow down three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

While Anthony Edwards Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid were in place before the arrival of Tim Connelly, the former Nuggets' executive traded for both Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley with the roster being particularly well suited to play against Denver.

"I mean, I think they're built to beat us," Jokic said. "Just look at their roster. They have basically two All-Stars, two probably first-team defensive players. Mike Conley is the most underrated player in the NBA, probably.

"From the bench, they have a Sixth Man of the Year. ... [They are] one team that they can do literally everything. They can be big, small."

Tom Thibodeau has been a lot place in his NBA coaching career. He knows when he wants to stay somewhere. Now, Thibodeau hopes to stay with the New York Knicks for a while longer.

“That’s something that my agent will take care of,” Thibodeau said about extending his contract. “The Knicks have been great to me. So, this is where I want to be.”

Thibodeau has one year remaining on the five-year deal he signed with New York ahead of the 2020-21 season. Sources expect that the Knicks will do what they can to extend Thibodeau this summer, likely on a deal in the range of $10 million per season.

Despite criticism that he plays his players too many minutes, several Knicks defended Thibodeau. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and others all expressed hope that New York would take care of their coach with a contract extension.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said he's committed to playing for Canada at this summer's Olympics in France. Murray has missed previous competitions due to injuries, but seems to feel he's healthy enough to suit up this summer.

Murray has yet to play for the senior Canadian national team. He was set to join the Nuggets for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but did not play after the Nuggets run to the 2023 NBA title.

KJ Lewis withdrew from the NBA Draft and will return to Arizona for his sophomore season.

Lewis is ranked No. 19 in ESPN's 2025 draft rankings.

Lewis averaged 6.1 points and 3.1 rebounds during his freshman season. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers are increasingly expected to sign Evan Mobley to a max contract extension this summer, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

The Cavs are also growing confident of signing Donovan Mitchell to a contract extension. 

Mobley's agents reportedly cautioned the Cavs about drafting the player with the third pick of the 2021 NBA Draft.

Should the Cavs succeed in re-signing both Mobley and Mitchell, Jarrett Allen would be a trade target for teams around the league. 

Jarrett Allen would be an attractive trade target should the Cleveland Cavaliers re-sign Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Allen has "numerous admirers" across front offices around the league, added Stein.

Members of the team were reportedly frustrated by the way Allen handled his rib injury during the playoffs. 

Allen refused an injection to numb the pain in order to play. 

The Chicago Bulls are hiring assistant coach Dan Craig. The Bulls are adding Craig and Wes Unseld Jr. as the top assistants on Billy Donovan's staff.

Craig spent the last four seasons with the LA Clippers, working as part of Ty Lue's staff. Prior to that, Craig was an assistant coach for Erik Spoelstra with the Miami Heat.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson suffered a fractured left hand. The injury occurred in the second half of Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon.

Brunson was ruled out of the game by the Knicks shortly after the injury occurred.