The 'Major Decision' Present New York Knicks Must Make to Solve the Future

With the NBA season one day away, which major question could decide the New York Knicks' season and future?

The New York Knicks have their sights set on a second straight playoff appearance for the first time since a three-year streak between 2011 and 2013. But until the current group shows its capable of competing with the Eastern Conference's elite, any discussion about the present will center upon New York's future.

With the 2023-24 season's tip-off looming, ESPN ranked each NBA team before opening night, predicted their record, and highlighted major decisions on the road ahead. Those experts had the Knicks going 46-36 and noted that they're "well-positioned" to trade for a star and take on their salary if they were to pull the trigger on such a move.  

"The Knicks are well-positioned financially, with no player earning more than $28 million and 11 first-round picks at their disposal (eight that can be traded) and eight second-round picks in the next seven years," former Brooklyn Nets general manager and ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks noted. "If the next disgruntled All-Star becomes available, New York has the assets and contracts to make a trade and not ruin future flexibility."

Could Joel Embiid (in white) force his way to the New York Knicks? / USA TODAY SPORTS

One player the Knicks have been connected to is Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Embiid averaged 33.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists en route to an MVP title.

With the uncertainty surrounding current teammate James Harden and a new head coach in Nick Nurse, Embiid's future with the 76ers is murkier than ever. With superstars able to force their way off their current squads with relative ease and the Knicks' financial flexibility, they're as well-positioned as a team could be to land a player of Embiid's caliber.

Adding a player of Embiid's ilk wouldn't just shake the NBA to its core, it would catapult New York from a playoff team to a championship contender if that deal were to ever happen. 

The Knicks kick off their season at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night against the Boson Celtics (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).