The New York Knicks have built a competent team that has a chance to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy this season. Most of the credit goes to Leon Rose, the team’s president of basketball operations.
Rose constructed the Knicks, starting with Jalen Brunson, whom he signed to a four-year, $104 million contract as a free agent in 2022. It was an underrated signing, since Brunson was an unproven bench player during his first four years with the Dallas Mavericks. The former Villanova guard emerged as a franchise star and has now led New York to the NBA Finals.
Ahead of Game 3, Brunson spoke highly of the executive and how he constructed the roster.
“I think he’s a great basketball mind,” Brunson said on Sunday. “I also think he surrounds himself with good people. The way he’s been able to do this, especially here with all the scrutiny people do to him and everything — I just think the way he goes about his business is as good as anyone.
"Great basketball mind…The way he goes about his business is good as anyone. From the time I've known him–basically my entire life–always been that way. Always willing to help. Always wanting…best outcome. That's just who he is"
– Jalen Brunson on Knicks president Leon Rose pic.twitter.com/QTn0JhRIvh— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 8, 2026
“Always wanting to have the best possible outcome. That’s just who he is.”
Apart from Brunson, Rose has spearheaded other roster changes that have led to their current position.
Positive Trades That Leon Rose Has Made for the Knicks
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Rose took a chance at the trade market over the past few seasons and has made major moves to improve the roster. One of the biggest moves that the Knicks made was trading for Karl-Anthony Towns in 2024 from the Minnesota Timberwolves. They let go of star forward Julius Randle, and fan-favorite Donte DiVincenzo.
The risk was worth it since Towns has helped the Knicks reach back-to-back conference finals. He’s also a favorite to win the Finals MVP this year, if New York finishes the job and wins the series against the Spurs.
Rose also orchestrated the OG Anunoby trade from the Toronto Raptors. Now, Anunoby has been one of the most productive two-way players for the Knicks. In this postseason run, the one-time champion has averaged 19.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He is the team’s second-leading scorer this playoffs.
The executive also traded for Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, two of Brunson’s former college teammates. Hart has become a valued member of the Knicks, often doing a little bit of everything on both ends. Bridges, meanwhile, has been an invaluable two-way star for New York.
There are more moves that Rose is responsible for, and it has started to bear fruit as the Knicks are two wins away from winning the championship.