The New York Knicks appear set to retain guard Miles McBride through the NBA trade deadline, according to insider Michael Scotto on SNY. Scotto noted that McBride’s combination of production and contract value makes him one of the league’s most valuable trade chips, yet the Knicks may prioritize contending for a championship over dealing him.
At 25, McBride is in the second year of a three-year, $13 million contract. He has been a key contributor for New York this season, averaging 13.1 points, 2.8 assists, and shooting 43.7% from three-point range over 33 games. His efficiency and affordable contract make him a rare asset in a salary-cap landscape increasingly focused on flexibility.
Scotto highlighted that McBride’s consistent production and three-point shooting could position him for recognition beyond team play, potentially even at All-Star Weekend’s Three-Point Contest. Yet the Knicks’ current roster structure and championship aspirations suggest the team is unlikely to part with him unless pursuing a significant upgrade.
New York sits third in the Eastern Conference with a 26-18 record, trailing Detroit and Boston while holding a 7-game lead over the lower playoff seeds. The team relies on Jalen Brunson (27.9 points, 6.1 assists) and Karl-Anthony Towns (20.8 points, 11.5 rebounds) as its cornerstones, while McBride provides shooting and backcourt depth alongside veterans Josh Hart and Jordan Clarkson.
McBride’s value extends beyond stats, as his contract and performance offer the Knicks flexibility in potential trades, should they consider major roster upgrades in the future. Executives across the league reportedly view him as a low-risk, high-reward player whose combination of age, skill, and cost is increasingly rare.
