Knicks Bold Predictions for Top 2022 NBA Offseason Signings, Trades

The New York Knicks may not be finished with the 2022 NBA offseason.

They kept busy during free agency, adding Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein while retaining Mitchell Robinson. But they may not stop there. Donovan Mitchell could be on the move, as you might've heard—if you haven't, congrats on getting out from under that rock—and the Knicks are talking blockbuster trades with the Utah Jazz again, per The Athletic's Shams Charania and Tony Jones.

A megadeal for Mitchell would reshape the perception and impact of New York's offseason, but the Knicks have gotten decent mileage out of this summer as it is. Let's look at how some of their spending could manifest with three bold predictions regarding their top signings.

Jalen Brunson Leads Knicks in Scoring

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DALLAS, TX - MAY 24: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals on May 24, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jalen Brunson might have just completed a career year, but the Knicks clearly think the 6'1" lead guard has an extra gear.

He had good numbers in 2021-22 (16.3 points and 4.8 assists per game), but they don't quite measure up to his new pay rate (four years, $104 million, per Spotrac). That's fine for the Knicks, because they aren't paying for his past production but rather the numbers he could post going forward.

How about a 20-plus-point scoring average to start?

Granted, that's a bit bold for someone who had never averaged even 13 points prior to this season, but Brunson did put up an efficient 21.6 per night in the playoffs, so he has that in him. Plus, his usage is going up after moving out of Luka Doncic's shadow in Dallas, and it's possible the Knicks will lean heavier on Brunson than they do on anyone.

Mitchell Robinson Makes All-Defense Team

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 28: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in action against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on March 28, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-104. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The Knicks didn't give Mitchell Robinson a four-year, $60 million deal for his offense.

Sure, they'd like to see growth in that part of his game, and it's quite possible he'll be more effective than ever with a playmaker like Jalen Brunson calling the shots, but New York's investment in Mitchell is all about defense.

And the Knicks could still get their money's worth.

Only true defensive anchors can justify getting that kind of coin in today's NBA as a non-shooting center, but Robinson has the tools to be that. He's a bouncy 7-footer with a better understanding of how to use his length, which has manifested as lower foul rates and a bigger overall impact. In 2021-22, he averaged 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in just 25.7 minutes per game while shaving 5.3 points off his opponents' normal field-goal percentage, per NBA.com.

If he keeps developing defensively, he'll demand consideration for All-Defense honors.

Isaiah Hartenstein Makes 50+ Threes

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIl 10: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the LA Clippers celebrates during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 10, 2022 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

It was a little strange to see the Knicks pay up for both Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency, since both players man the middle.

It can work, though, if each brings something different to the table, as they do. Where Robinson provides a ridiculous combination of size and athleticism, Hartenstein brings more polished skills.

There are plenty weapons in his arsenal, but perhaps the one this organization is most excited to add is his shooting touch. Now, he didn't take (30) or make (14) many threes last season, but considering he entered the season just 4-of-17 for his career, both areas were relatively huge jumps. Oh, and if hadn't put the numbers together, they add up to an elite 46.7 percent splash rate.

The Knicks could use a jumbo shooter. They don't have a spacer in their center mix, and their top scoring threats from last season—Julius Randle and RJ Barrett—both operate best inside the arc. They'll lean on Hartenstein to help create more breathing room, and his green light will yield 50-plus three-balls.