One of the names generating the most intrigue and uncertainty in this year’s free agency period is undoubtedly LeBron James. Since opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 NBA season, his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers feels both imminent and unclear. However, one major Eastern Conference team has made it clear they are not interested.
The New York Knicks have reportedly taken a firm stance on the LeBron James speculation—and it’s a hard pass. According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Knicks are satisfied with the roster they’ve assembled heading into the new season and are not seeking to shake things up by adding a 41-year-old superstar, no matter how iconic he may be.
“I don’t think the Knicks have an interest in LeBron James,” Mannix said on Sports Illustrated’s YouTube channel. “The Knicks are pretty happy with what they did this offseason. They’re happy with what they got from Mike Brown. Mike Brown’s been a big hit in Vegas, like, big hit. They love the Jordan Clarkson addition. They love the Guerschon Yabusele addition.”
“They think they’ve got a rotation that’s nine or ten deep right now. Like, they’re not looking to shake that up. Not in a conference they think they can win with this group.” After falling short in the Eastern Conference Finals last postseason, the Knicks have strengthened their roster and seem determined to make a serious run. With a solid core already in place, their focus remains clear: contention.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2025 in New York City.
In theory, a trade for James could have been workable. New York has the assets—OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and a mix of picks and young players—to construct a competitive offer. They even have a head coach in Mike Brown with a previous connection to James from their time together in Cleveland.
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But the Knicks are thinking long-term. They just reached the Eastern Conference Finals with a youthful and talented core that includes Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart. They’ve added depth, improved their perimeter shooting, and addressed secondary playmaking concerns.
New York believes this group is ready to contend now—especially with the East more wide open than ever following devastating Achilles injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton. And while signing LeBron James would certainly come with benefits, it might also bring distractions the Knicks aren’t willing to entertain. Their focus, more than ever, is on chasing a NBA championship with the roster they’ve built.
