The New York Knicks approached the offseason to make the most out of a weakened Eastern Conference. Their productive moves immediately change their identity from starter-heavy to uniform depth. However, they have hit a conundrum in their quest for a complete roster. They want both Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon, but there is just one veteran contract to give.

That’s where a possible move for Miles McBride opens up. The two-way guard has been exceptional playing behind Jalen Brunson. But at 25 and due for a contract extension soon, the Knicks are considering moving him to create an additional roster spot. Knicks Now’s Marshall Green doesn’t feel like that’s the best idea. He rates McBride highly because of his consistent shooting threat and defensive contributions. “This is a player that I think continues to get better and better every single year. I’m excited to see what he does in a Mike Brown system,” he said.

But more than that, he sees his value from a financial standpoint. “With the way that the New York Knicks have set up their team when it comes to finances, paying a lot of money for the starting five and having Josh Hart coming off the bench potentially at 18, 19, $20 million, you need cheap contributors. And with Deuce McBride making just four plus million dollars this year and $3.9 million next year, he fits the bill of what this team needs when it comes to cheap, inexpensive production-type of players,” he explained on Knicks Now.

The advantage of retaining McBride is his familiarity with the crew. Having spent his young career with the Knicks, the sharpshooter has a great grasp of his role. A declining contract means the Knicks won’t go above the second apron at least for the next two seasons. In terms of his production, there’s always the possibility of developing his talents.

Brown’s track record with young guards is mixed — critics point to Keon Ellis’ late breakout in Sacramento as evidence he can stall development. If that pattern repeats, McBride’s role could shrink regardless of his promise. The only question is whether Mike Brown is willing to do so. In Sacramento, he attracted criticism for holding back Keon Ellis, who has now become a starter under Doug Christie. Moreover, the Knicks also have to possibly deal with competition when it comes to McBride’s future.

Are the Knicks willing to risk the second apron for Miles McBride?

Green isn’t wrong to make a case for McBride. Given the Knicks’ top-heavy salaries, having an affordable role player that offers high quality is essential. But they also have to think about the future. Clutch Points’ Drew Maresca noted that several teams will be interested in Miles McBride once he is on the market.

When that day comes, the Knicks will have to pay a significantly higher amount than his current contract. “Will they want to pay more than $10 million annually plus luxury tax penalties for a role player?” Maresca questions.

In any normal scenario, paying $10 million for a second-unit player would still be considered a bargain. But the Knicks’ top five earners all have a salary over $10 million. That severely restricts their ability to match a $10 million offer in the future. Additionally, signing Jordan Clarkson takes care of the scoring difficulties they face without Brunson on the floor.

His $2.3 million salary is barely felt on their books. Having both Brogdon and Shamet would essentially give them two veterans on team-friendly contracts and the ability to control the duration of their stay. The Knicks can still have McBride for at least two seasons and assess how he performs in the upcoming season.

A good thing for them is that they don’t have to make a decision soon. They have the entire training camp to analyse what their final roster should look like. Ultimately, it will come down to whether McBride offers the team something that either Shamet or Brogdon can’t. If they do project him to improve, going over the second apron with championship aspirations for the next few seasons is an entirely possible outcome.

At its core, the decision is simple: ride with a cheap, ascending guard who fits the cap sheet, or sacrifice him for veterans who may push them closer to a title now. It’s a tug-of-war between long-term prudence and immediate contention — one that could define the Knicks’ next three seasons.

But is that a risk the Knicks are willing to take?