The New York Knicks Get a Major LeBron James Update

The New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season before falling to the Indiana Pacers, and the organization remains committed to an eventual title push.

Against that backdrop, LeBron James continues to emerge as a potential target if his situation with the Los Angeles Lakers deteriorates, whether through a trade this season or free agency next summer.

New York has been floated as a future landing spot, but roster math could complicate the pursuit.

In a Monday, July 28 article, CBS Sports analyst Sam Quinn assessed the Knicks’ outlook and flagged the league’s new spending limits as a key obstacle. According to Quinn, the Knicks currently have “around $46 million in second-apron space,” a figure that does not include expected new contracts for Mikal Bridges and Mitchell Robinson.

If both players sign long-term, New York would “blow past the second apron” and likely be limited to offering James only a minimum deal. Quinn added that if James ever considered the minimum, Cleveland could make more sense than New York in that scenario.

If James reaches free agency next offseason, multiple teams would be expected to show interest.

As previously reported, the Knicks are among the possibilities, alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks.

Another factor: James could be intrigued by joining the team that drafts his younger son, Bryce James, who is eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft.

On-court production remains the most effective selling point. In 2024–25, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three.

Even at the age of 40, Bron has not established a retirement timeline. While it’s possible the 2025–26 season could be his last, continuing beyond that remains in play.