New York Knicks guard Miles McBride faces uncertainty regarding his contract as the team begins training camp ahead of the upcoming NBA season. The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his three-year, $13 million deal and is set to become a free agent next summer unless he and the Knicks reach an agreement on an extension. To date, there has been little progress on that front, leaving the guard’s long-term future with the team unclear.
McBride expressed a desire to remain in New York, emphasizing his appreciation for the city and the fan base. “I’d love to continue my career here, end my career here,” he said following practice. “I feel like we’ve done something great this past year and the years leading up to that,” he added, referring to the team’s recent success.
The Knicks face similar contractual uncertainties with two other key players, Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, who have also not yet secured extensions. However, McBride is currently the only player on an expiring contract. The organization has historically been cautious about allowing players to leave in free agency and often opts to trade expiring contracts rather than risk losing them for no return. The notable exception was the decision to retain center Mitchell Robinson during this offseason despite his expiring deal.
The Knicks are constrained financially due to significant investments in their starting lineup and a directive from owner James Dolan to remain below the NBA’s second salary cap apron. McBride, earning just under $4 million this season, is considered one of the league’s better value players. If his performance remains strong, a sizable salary increase appears likely, which could be difficult for the Knicks to accommodate given their current payroll commitments.
The team has depth at the backup guard position with players like Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, and Jordan Clarkson, but there is less certainty in the frontcourt beyond Towns. Andre Drummond remains the only backup center certain to secure a roster spot. Given these dynamics, McBride is viewed as the most valuable trade asset off the bench, and the Knicks could consider leveraging him to acquire a needed big man.
Coach Mike Brown acknowledged the challenges posed by ongoing contract questions within the roster. “We’re going to face a lot of adversity and challenges throughout the course of the year,” Brown said. He noted the importance of balancing individual and organizational interests and expressed confidence in team leadership and McBride’s representatives to navigate an agreement.
Last season, McBride played through a sports hernia injury that required surgery, which limited his effectiveness late in the regular season and playoffs. Despite the difficulties, he shot a career-best 42.0 percent from three-point range before being sidelined. Now fully recovered, McBride remains optimistic about his ability to perform at a high level going forward while continuing to pursue a long-term deal with the Knicks or elsewhere. “At the end of the day, I just want to go out there and give it my shot, play my best basketball,” he said.