Editing New York Knicks (section)

==History==
{{See also|List of New York Knicks seasons}}

===1946–1967: early years===
In 1946, basketball, particularly [[college basketball]], was a growing and increasingly profitable sport in New York City.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=8}} [[Ice hockey|Hockey]] was another popular sport at the time and generated considerable profits; however, the arenas were not used often.{{Sfn|Schumacher|p=71}} [[Max Kase]], a New York sportswriter, became the sports editor at the ''[[Boston American]]'' in the 1930s, when he met [[Boston Garden]] owner [[Walter A. Brown]].{{Sfn|Hahn|p=11}} Kase developed the idea of an organized professional league to showcase college players upon their graduation and felt it could become profitable if properly assembled.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=11}} Brown, intrigued by the opportunity to attain additional income when the hockey teams were not playing or on the road, contacted several arena owners.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=11}} On June 6, 1946, Kase and Brown and a group of seventeen others assembled at the [[Grand Hyatt New York|Commodore Hotel]] in New York City, as the [[Basketball Association of America]] (BAA), where charter franchises were granted to major cities throughout the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=Basketball Association of America League Minutes |url=http://www.apbr.org/baaminutes.html |publisher=APBR.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125141811/http://www.apbr.org/baaminutes.html |archive-date=November 25, 2010 |access-date=February 27, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Ned Irish]], a college basketball promoter, retired sportswriter and then president of [[Madison Square Garden (1925)|Madison Square Garden]], was in attendance.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=11}}{{Sfn|Benson|p=2}} Kase originally planned to own and operate the New York franchise himself and approached Irish with a proposal to lease the Garden.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=11}} Irish explained that the rules of the Arena Managers Association of America stated that Madison Square Garden was required to own any professional teams that played in the arena.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=11}} On the day of the meeting, Kase made his proposal to the panel of owners; however, they were much more impressed by Irish and his vast resources; Kase relented and the franchise was awarded to Irish.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=11}}

Irish wanted a distinct name for his franchise that was representative of the city of New York.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=14}} He called together members of his staff for a meeting to cast their votes in a hat. After tallying the votes, the franchise was named the Knickerbockers.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=14}} The "Knickerbocker" name comes from the pseudonym used by [[Washington Irving]] in his book ''[[A History of New York]]'', a name that became applied to the descendants of the original [[Dutch people|Dutch]] settlers of what later became New York, and later, by extension, to New Yorkers in general.<ref name="Knickerbocker"/> In search of a head coach, Irish approached successful [[St. John's Red Storm men's basketball|St. John's University]] coach [[Joe Lapchick]] in May 1946.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=14}} Lapchick readily accepted after Irish promised to make him the highest-paid coach in the league; however, he requested he remain at St. John's one more season in hopes of winning one last championship.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=16}} Irish obliged, hiring former [[Manhattan Jaspers basketball|Manhattan College]] coach [[Neil Cohalan]] as interim coach for the first year.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=16}}

With no college draft in the league's initial year, there was no guarantee that the Knicks or the league itself would thrive.{{Sfn|Benson|p=3}} Consequently, teams focused on signing college players from their respective cities as a way to promote the professional league.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=16}} The Knicks held their first training camp in the [[Catskill Mountains]] at the Nevele Country Club.{{Sfn|Benson|p=4}} Twenty-five players were invited to attend the three-week session.{{Sfn|Benson|p=4}} Players worked out twice a day and the chemistry between the New York natives was instant.{{Sfn|Hahn|pp=16, 18}} With a roster assembled, the Knicks faced the [[Toronto Huskies]] at Toronto's [[Maple Leaf Gardens]] on November 1, 1946, in what would be the franchise's first game—as well as the first in league history.{{Sfn|Benson|p=4}} In a low-scoring affair presented in front of 7,090 spectators, the Knicks defeated the Huskies 68–66 with [[Leo Gottlieb]] leading the Knicks in scoring with 14 points.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=18}} With Madison Square Garden's crowded schedule, the Knicks were forced to play many of their home games at the [[69th Regiment Armory]] during the team's early years.{{Sfn|Benson|p=2}} The Knicks went on to finish their inaugural campaign with a 33–27 record and achieved a playoff berth under Cohalan despite a dismal shooting percentage of 28&nbsp;percent.{{Sfn|Benson|p=3}} The Knicks faced the [[Cleveland Rebels]] in the quarterfinals, winning the series 2–1.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=22}} However, the Knicks were swept by the [[Philadelphia Warriors]] in two games in the semifinals.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=22}}

As promised, Lapchick took over in 1947, bringing with him his up-tempo coaching style, which emphasized fast ball movement.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=23}} Six new players were signed, including guard [[Carl Braun (basketball)|Carl Braun]]{{Sfn|Hahn|p=22}} and [[Japanese-American]] guard [[Wataru Misaka]], the first non-[[White people|Caucasian]] basketball player in the BAA.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pioneering Knick Returns to Garden |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/sports/basketball/11vecsey.html?hp |work=The New York Times |author=Vecsey, George |date=August 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215215207/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/sports/basketball/11vecsey.html?hp |archive-date=February 15, 2012 |access-date=April 16, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Under Lapchick, the Knicks made nine straight playoff appearances beginning in 1947.<ref name="NYK History">{{cite web |title=New York Knicks History |url=http://www.nba.com/knicks/history/New_York_Knicks_History.html |publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC |website=NYKnicks.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204232613/http://www.nba.com/knicks/history/New_York_Knicks_History.html#24 |archive-date=December 4, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> Braun, who averaged 14.3 points, emerged as the team's star and paired with [[Dick Holub]] and [[Bud Palmer]] to account for half of the team's offense.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=22}} Despite this, the Knicks struggled throughout the year, compiling a 26–22 record.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=22}} Their finish was good enough to place them second in the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Division]] and secure a playoff match-up against the [[Baltimore Bullets (1944–54)|Baltimore Bullets]] where they lost the series two games to one.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=22}} In the [[1948 NBA draft]], the Knicks selected two future [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] players in center [[Dolph Schayes]] and [[Harry Gallatin]].{{Sfn|Hahn|p=28}} The Knicks were leery of Schayes' talent, prompting the center to leave to play for the [[Syracuse Nationals]] of the struggling [[National Basketball League (United States)|National Basketball League]].{{Sfn|Hahn|p=28}} Despite losing Schayes, the team started the year well going 17–8 before they fell into a slump.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=29}} They ended the year with a seven-game win streak to finish with a 32–28 record and a third-straight playoff appearance.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=29}} The Knicks defeated the Bullets in a rematch of their previous encounter in 1947, winning the series 2–1.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=29}} The team however struggled against the [[Washington Capitols]] and lost the series 1–2.{{Sfn|Hahn|p=29}}

[[File:JoeLapchickGoudeycard.jpg|200px|thumb|Lapchick was responsible for leading the Knicks during their early success. However, these ventures never culminated with a win in the [[NBA Finals]].]]
Prior to the beginning of the [[1949–50 NBA season|1949–50 season]], the BAA merged with the National Basketball League to form the National Basketball Association which comprised 17 teams.<ref>{{cite news |title=NBL, BAA merge, end pro net war |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-republic-nbl-baa-merge-end-pro-net/149768648/ |access-date=June 21, 2024 |work=The Republic |agency=UP |date=August 4, 1949 |page=11 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Curtis Harris |title=How the NBA's 75th anniversary sweeps away its early history |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/01/21/nba-history-nbl-baa/ |access-date=June 23, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> Despite division realignments, the Knicks remained in the Eastern Division.<ref name="NYK History"/> The team continued its dominance under Lapchick, winning 40 games; however they lost the Eastern Division finals to the [[Syracuse Nationals]].<ref name="NYK History"/>

The [[1950–51 NBA season|following season]], the Knicks made history signing [[Nathaniel Clifton|Sweetwater Clifton]] to a contract, thus becoming the first professional basketball team to sign an [[African American]] player.<ref name="NYK History"/> During this same season, the Knicks finished with a 36–30 record. Though they placed third in their division, they secured a playoff spot and began the first of three consecutive trips to the [[NBA Finals]].<ref name="NYK History"/> In spite of their success, the Knicks could not overcome the [[Rochester Royals]] despite a valiant comeback after losing the first three games of the Finals.<ref name="NYK History"/> The next two years, in 1952 and 1953, New York fell to the [[Minneapolis Lakers]] in the Finals.<ref name="NYK History"/>

It was during this early period, the Knicks developed their first standout players in [[Carl Braun (basketball)|Carl Braun]] who retired as the Knicks leading scorer with 10,449 points before later being surpassed by the likes of Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier and Willis Reed.<ref name="NYK History"/> Harry Gallatin and Dick McGuire were also well-known standouts on the team and were later enshrined in the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]].<ref name="NYK History"/>

Following these back-to-back losses, the Knicks made the playoffs in the subsequent two years with no success. Lapchick resigned as the team's head coach in January 1956 citing health-related issues.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lapchick Quits as Knick Coach But He Plans to Finish Season; Cites 'Poor Health and Too Many, Sleepless Nights' as Bases for Decision Lot of Possibilities Team in Third Place |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0813FB3F5B157B93CAAB178AD85F428585F9&scp=1&sq=Joe+Lapchick+resigns&st=p |work=The New York Times |author=Briordy, William J. |date=January 28, 1956 |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107002430/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0813FB3F5B157B93CAAB178AD85F428585F9&scp=1&sq=Joe+Lapchick+resigns&st=p |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Vince Boryla]] made his debut in February 1956 as the Knicks' new coach in a win over the [[St. Louis Hawks]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks Vanquish Hawks, 107 TO 91, For Coach Boryla; McGuire Scores 20 Points as New Mentor Takes Reins in $12,000 Post McGuire Gets Eight Assists Boryla Signs Contract Khicks Vanquish Hawks, 107 TO 91 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/02/12/archives/knicks-vanquish-hawks-107-to-91-for-coach-boryla-mcguire-scores-20.html?sq=Vince+Boryla+signs+as+Knicks+coach&scp=1&st=p |work=The New York Times |author=Briordy, William J. |date=February 12, 1956 |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722193955/https://www.nytimes.com/1956/02/12/archives/knicks-vanquish-hawks-107-to-91-for-coach-boryla-mcguire-scores-20.html?sq=Vince+Boryla+signs+as+Knicks+coach&scp=1&st=p |url-status=live}}</ref> However, after two seasons of poor performances and no playoff appearances, Boryla tendered his resignation from the team in April 1958.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boryla Resigns as Coach of the Knicks; Team In Cellar For Two Season Levane Likely Successor to Boryla, Who Will Stay as Knicks' Head Scout |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/04/06/archives/boryla-resigns-as-coach-of-the-knicks-team-in-cellar-for-two.html |work=The New York Times |date=April 5, 1958 |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-date=October 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028044803/http://www.nytimes.com/1958/04/06/archives/boryla-resigns-as-coach-of-the-knicks-team-in-cellar-for-two.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Looking to regain their former dominance, [[Andrew Levane]] was named the head coach and in his first year, the results were significantly better as the team finished with a 40–32 record, securing their playoff spot.<ref name="Franchise index">{{cite web |title=New York Knickerbockers Franchise Index |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/ |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-date=January 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106014855/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/ |url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Knicks could not manage to get past the Eastern Division semi-finals.<ref name="Franchise index"/> The Levane-led squad fared poorly to begin the 1959–60 season and under mounting pressure Levane resigned and was immediately replaced by Carl Braun, who became the team's first [[List of National Basketball Association player-coaches|player-coach]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Braun Becomes Knickerbocker Coach After Levane Resigns Under Pressure; Club's 8–19 Mark Prompts Change |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/12/19/archives/braun-becomes-knickerbocker-coach-after-levane-resigns-under.html |work=The New York Times |author=Conklin, William R. |date=December 19, 1959 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722193736/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/12/19/archives/braun-becomes-knickerbocker-coach-after-levane-resigns-under.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The team did not fare much better under Braun and the Knicks hired [[Eddie Donovan]], who helped build up [[St. Bonaventure Bonnies#Men's basketball|St. Bonaventure's basketball team]], in 1961.<ref>{{cite news |title=Donovan Replaces Braun as Coach of Knicks; Jerseyan, 38, Now at St. Bonaventure, Signs for 2 Years Guided College Five to a No. 3 Ranking&nbsp;– Boryla Retained |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/09/archives/donovan-replaces-braun-as-coach-of-knicks-jerseyan-38-now-at-st.html |work=The New York Times |author=Sheehan, Joseph M. |date=May 9, 1961 |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-date=May 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503161443/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/09/archives/donovan-replaces-braun-as-coach-of-knicks-jerseyan-38-now-at-st.html |url-status=live}}</ref> During Donovan's tenure, New York failed to achieve a playoff berth. As a testament to their struggles, on March 2, 1962, the Knicks faced the Philadelphia Warriors in [[Hershey, Pennsylvania]], where they infamously allowed [[Wilt Chamberlain]] to score an NBA-record [[Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game|100 points]] in a 169–147 Warriors victory.<ref name="NYK History"/><ref name="Franchise index"/>

In 1964, the franchise's fortunes began to take a steady turn. The Knicks drafted center [[Willis Reed]], who made an immediate impact on the court and was named [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]] for his efforts.<ref name="NYK History"/> However, the leaders of the team still remained in flux. In an attempt to reorganize, the Knicks named former standout [[Harry Gallatin]] as head coach while reassigning Donovan to [[General manager (basketball)|general manager]] position.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks Name Gallatin as Coach and Promote Donovan to General Manager; Ex-New York Ace Takes Over Today Gallatin, Hawk Coach 21/2 Years, Signs&nbsp;– Donovan Given More Authority |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/04/archives/knicks-name-gallatin-as-coach-and-promote-donovan-to-general.html |work=The New York Times |author=Koppett, Leonard |date=January 4, 1965 |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616204446/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/04/archives/knicks-name-gallatin-as-coach-and-promote-donovan-to-general.html |url-status=live}}</ref> After a slow start in 1965, [[Dick McGuire]], another former Knick, replaced his former teammate Gallatin midway through the season.<ref name="Franchise index"/> Though he failed to guide the Knicks to the playoffs in 1965, he managed to do so the following season, however, the Knicks lost in the Eastern Division semi-finals.<ref name="Franchise index"/>

===1967–1975: championship years===
{{multiple image
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The Knicks started their 1967–68 season with a 124–122 win over the visiting Warriors. In that game, seven players on the Knicks' roster scored in double figures.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196710170NYK.html |title=San Francisco Warriors at New York Knicks Box Score, October 17, 1967 |access-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726110902/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196710170NYK.html |url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Knicks lost their next six games, falling to a 1–6 record. They managed to stop their losing streak on November 1, 1967, when the Knicks won the road game against the Lakers, 129–113. During the game, Willis Reed scored a career-high 53 points on 21-of-29 shooting from the field.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196711010LAL.html |title=New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, November 1, 1967 |access-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726110859/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196711010LAL.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On November 3, the Knicks defeated the Seattle SuperSonics 134–100 in Seattle. In that game, nine Knicks' player scored at least 10 points.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196711030SEA.html |title=New York Knicks at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, November 3, 1967 |access-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726110908/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/196711030SEA.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Head coach Dick McGuire was replaced midway through the 1967–68 season after the team began the season with a 15–22 record.<ref name="Franchise index"/> With the Knicks under .500, the team decided to hire coach [[Red Holzman]], whose impact was immediate. Under his direction, the Knicks went 28–17 and finished with a 43–39 record thus salvaging a playoff berth, however, the Knicks were again vanquished in the Eastern Division semi-finals by the [[Philadelphia 76ers]].<ref name="Franchise index"/> However their roster was slowly coming together piece by piece. Rookies [[Phil Jackson]] and [[Walt Frazier]] were named to the [[NBA All-Rookie Team]] while [[Dick Barnett]] and Willis Reed performed in the [[1968 NBA All-Star Game]].<ref name="NYK History"/>

The following season, the team acquired [[Dave DeBusschere]] from the [[Detroit Pistons]], and the team went 54–28.<ref name="Franchise index"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks Top Pistons, 135–87; DeBusschere Stars; Ex-Detroit Coach Scores 21 Points He Sets Up New Teammates for Many Baskets, Too, in First Game Since Trade |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/12/21/archives/knicks-top-pistons-13587-debusschere-stars-exdetroit-coach-scores.html |work=The New York Times |author=Cady, Steve |date=December 21, 1968 |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-date=May 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503074618/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/12/21/archives/knicks-top-pistons-13587-debusschere-stars-exdetroit-coach-scores.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In the playoffs, New York made it past the first round of contention for the first time since 1953, sweeping the [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]] in four games, before falling to the [[Boston Celtics]] in the Eastern Division finals.<ref>{{cite web |title=1968–69 New York Knickerbockers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1969_games.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021225648/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1969_games.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[1969–70 NBA season|1969–70 season]], the Knicks had a then-single-season NBA record [[List of National Basketball Association longest winning streaks|18 straight victories]] en route to a 60–22 record, which was the best regular season record in the franchise's history to that point.<ref name="Champions, 69-70">{{cite web |title=1969–70 New York Knickerbockers Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1970.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-date=March 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324042846/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1970.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=All-Time Winning Streaks |url=http://www.nba.com/news/winning_streaks.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |date=March 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301153749/http://www.nba.com/news/winning_streaks.html |archive-date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=June 23, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> After defeating the Bullets in the Eastern Division semifinals and the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] in the Eastern Division finals, the Knicks faced the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] in the NBA Finals.<ref name="Champions, 69-70"/> With the series tied at 2–2, the Knicks would be tested in Game 5. Willis Reed tore a muscle in his right leg in the second quarter, and was lost for the rest of the game.<ref name="The Reed Effect">{{cite web |title=Gutsy Reed Rallies Knicks in Game 7 |url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19691970.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119021337/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19691970.html |archive-date=November 19, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite his absence, New York went on to win the game, rallying from a 16-point deficit.<ref name="The Reed Effect"/>

Without their injured captain the Knicks lost Game 6, setting up one of the most famous moments in NBA history.<ref name="The Reed Effect"/> Reed limped onto the court before the seventh game, determined to play through the pain of his injury.<ref name="The Reed Effect"/> He scored New York's first two baskets before going scoreless for the remainder of the contest.<ref name="The Reed Effect"/> Although he was not at full strength, Reed's heroics inspired the Knicks, and they won the game by a score of 113–99, allowing New York to capture the title that had eluded them for so long.<ref name="The Reed Effect"/> Reed, who had been named the All-Star MVP and the league's MVP that season, was named MVP of the Finals, becoming the first player to attain all three awards in a single season.<ref name="The Reed Effect"/>

The Knicks' success continued for the next few years. After losing to the Bullets in the 1971 Eastern Conference finals, the team, aided by the acquisitions of [[Jerry Lucas]] and [[Earl Monroe|Earl "The Pearl" Monroe]], returned to the Finals in 1972.<ref name="NYK History"/> This time the Knicks fell to the Lakers in five games.<ref name="NYK History"/> The next year, the results were reversed, as the Knicks defeated the Lakers in five games to win their second NBA title in four years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks Win One for the 'Aged' |url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19721973.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303233802/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19721973.html |archive-date=March 3, 2011 |access-date=June 26, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The team had one more impressive season in [[1973–74 NBA season|1973–74]], as they reached the Eastern Conference finals, where they fell in five games to the Celtics.<ref>{{cite web |title=1973–74 New York Knickerbockers Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1974.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=May 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515140244/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1974.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It was after this season that Willis Reed announced his retirement, and the team's fortunes began to shift once more.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reed Retires as Player for the Knicks; No Decision Made on Post With Club; Career Record of Willis Reed. Reed Quit As Player For Knicks |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40B17F73E5E1A7493CBA81782D85F408785F9 |work=The New York Times |author=Goldaper, Sam |date=September 19, 1974 |access-date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107002853/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40B17F73E5E1A7493CBA81782D85F408785F9 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===1975–1985: post-championship years===
In the [[1974–75 NBA season|1974–75 season]], the Knicks posted a 40–42 record, their first losing record in eight seasons. The team still qualified for a playoff spot, however, but they lost to the [[Houston Rockets]] in the first round.<ref name="NYK History"/> After two more seasons with losing records,<ref name="Franchise index"/> Holzman was replaced by Willis Reed, who signed a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks Will Name Reed Coach Today With a 3-Year Contract; Reed Will Get 3-Year Pact; Nuggets Top Knicks, 114–108 |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0E17F9395D167493CBA91788D85F438785F9 |work=The New York Times |author=Goldaper, Sam |date=March 9, 1977 |access-date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107002859/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0E17F9395D167493CBA91788D85F438785F9 |url-status=live}}</ref> In Reed's first year, New York finished the year with a 43–39 record and returned to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, where they were swept by the Philadelphia 76ers.<ref>{{cite web |title=1977–78 New York Knickerbockers Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1978.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401003421/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1978.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The next season, after the team began with a 6–8 record,<ref name="Reed, Holzman circus">{{cite web |title=1978–79 New York Knickerbockers Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1979.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401003439/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1979.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Holzman was rehired as the team's coach after Reed had angered Madison Square Garden president [[Sonny Werblin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Anatomy of a Dismissal: It Was Inevitable; Reed Sounded Off McMillian's Complaint A Solid Vote for Burke |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/11/12/archives/anatomy-of-a-dismissal-it-was-inevitable-reed-sounded-off.html |work=The New York Times |author=Eskenazi, Gerald |date=November 12, 1978 |access-date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=October 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028094519/http://www.nytimes.com/1978/11/12/archives/anatomy-of-a-dismissal-it-was-inevitable-reed-sounded-off.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Holzman the Taskmaster Is Back and Knicks Know It; A Defensive Lapse The Old Knicks Shock and Surprise McAdoo's Assessment Auerbach Backs Dismissal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/11/13/archives/holzman-the-taskmaster-is-back-and-knicks-know-it-a-defensive-lapse.html?sq=Knicks+hire+Holzman+&scp=1&st=p |work=The New York Times |author=Goldaper, Sam |date=November 13, 1978 |access-date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722190818/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/11/13/archives/holzman-the-taskmaster-is-back-and-knicks-know-it-a-defensive-lapse.html?sq=Knicks+hire+Holzman+&scp=1&st=p |url-status=live}}</ref> The team did not fare any better under Holzman's direction, finishing with a 31–51 record, their worst in thirteen years.<ref name="Reed, Holzman circus"/>

After improving to a 39–43 record in the [[1979–80 NBA season|1979–80 season]], the Knicks posted a 50–32 record in the [[1980–81 NBA season|1980–81 season]].<ref name="NYK History"/> In [[1981 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], the [[Chicago Bulls]] swept New York in two games.<ref name="NYK History"/> Holzman retired the following season as one of the winningest coaches in NBA history. The team's record that year was a dismal 33–49.<ref name="NYK History"/> However, Holzman's legacy would continue through the players he influenced. One of the Knicks' bench players and defensive specialists during the 1970s was [[Phil Jackson]]. Jackson went on to coach the [[Chicago Bulls]] and [[Los Angeles Lakers]] to 11 NBA championships, surpassing [[Red Auerbach]] for the most in NBA history. Jackson cited Holzman as a significant influence on his career in the NBA.<ref>{{cite news |title=Farewell Tour Brings Jackson to the Garden |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/11/sports/basketball/11jackson.html |work=The New York Times |author=Beck, Howard |date=February 10, 2011 |access-date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314085313/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/11/sports/basketball/11jackson.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Hubie Brown]] replaced Holzman as head coach and in his first season, the team went 44–38 and made it to the second round of the playoffs, where they were swept by the eventual champion [[Philadelphia 76ers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1982–83 New York Knickerbockers Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1983.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=May 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518160217/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1983.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The next season, the team, aided by new acquisition [[Bernard King]], improved to 47–35 and returned to the playoffs.<ref name="NYK History"/> The team defeated the Detroit Pistons in the first round with an overtime win in the fifth and deciding game, before losing in the second round in seven games to the Celtics.<ref name="NYK History"/> The team's struggles continued into the [[1984–85 NBA season|1984–85 season]], as they lost their last 12 games to finish with a 24–58 record.<ref name="NYK History"/> The first of these losses occurred on March 23, 1985, where King injured his knee and spent the next 24 months in rehabilitation.<ref name="NYK History"/>

===1985–2000: the Patrick Ewing era===
[[File:Patrick Ewing ca. 1995 cropped.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Patrick Ewing played for the Knicks from 1985 to 2000, leading them to the Finals in 1994 and 1999.]]
In the summer of 1985, the Knicks were entered into the first-ever [[NBA draft lottery]].<ref name="Ewing era">{{Citation |title=The Draft That Changed It All. Tanks to '84, the lottery was born |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/2005/05/22/2005-05-22_the_draft_that_changed_it_al.html |work=New York Daily News |author=Bondy, Flip |date=May 22, 2005 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525100547/https://www.webcitation.org/600WDBDwj?url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2005-05-22/sports/18292722_1_lottery-flips-draft-ladder |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=July 7, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Knicks ended up winning the number one pick in that year's [[1985 NBA draft|NBA draft]]. They used the pick to select star [[forward (basketball)|center]] [[Patrick Ewing]] of [[Georgetown University]].<ref name="Ewing era"/> In Ewing's first season with the Knicks, he led all rookies in scoring (20 points per game) and [[rebound (sports term)|rebounds]] (9 rebounds per game), and he won the [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1985–86 NBA Awards Voting: Rookie of the Year |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1986.html#roy |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805093814/http://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1986.html#roy |url-status=live}}</ref> The team would not fare as well, though, as they struggled to a 23–59 record in his first season.<ref name="Franchise index"/>

During Ewing's second season, the team started with a 4–12 record and head coach Hubie Brown was dismissed in favor of assistant [[Bob Hill]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Knicks, 4–12 And Going Nowhere, Dismiss Brown |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/02/sports/knicks-4-12-and-going-nowhere-dismiss-brown.html?scp=4&sq=Hill+to+replace+Brown+in+New+york&st=nyt |work=The New York Times |author=Johnson, Roy S. |date=December 2, 1986 |access-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306021600/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/02/sports/knicks-4-12-and-going-nowhere-dismiss-brown.html?scp=4&sq=Hill+to+replace+Brown+in+New+york&st=nyt |url-status=live}}</ref> Under Hill, the Knicks had brief successes but went on to lose seventeen of their twenty-one final games of the season to finish 20–46 under Hill and 24–58 on the season.<ref>{{Citation |title=Pro Basketball; Knicks' Streak At 4 In Rout Of Clippers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/03/08/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-streak-at-4-in-rout-of-clippers.html |work=The New York Times |author=Johnson, Roy S. |date=March 8, 1987 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306021557/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/03/08/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-streak-at-4-in-rout-of-clippers.html |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=July 7, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1986–87 New York Knicks Schedule and Results |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1987_games.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807071207/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1987_games.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Hill was dismissed at season's end.<ref name="Pitino turnaround">{{Citation |title=Knicks, Ending 84-Day Search, Name Pitino Coach; He Leaves Providence to '{{sic|Fufill |nolink=y}} Dream' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/14/sports/knicks-ending-84-day-search-name-pitino-coach-he-leaves-providence-fufill-dream.html?scp=1&sq=Knicks+name+Pitino+as+coach&st=nyt |work=The New York Times |author=Johnson, Roy S. |date=July 14, 1987 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306021547/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/14/sports/knicks-ending-84-day-search-name-pitino-coach-he-leaves-providence-fufill-dream.html?scp=1&sq=Knicks+name+Pitino+as+coach&st=nyt |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=July 7, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The team immediately turned around in the [[1987–88 NBA season|1987–88 season]] with the hiring of [[Rick Pitino]] as head coach, who, only months prior to his hiring, led [[Providence Friars men's basketball|Providence College]] to the [[Final Four]], turning around a program that had struggled prior to his arrival.<ref name="Pitino turnaround"/> Combined with the selection of point guard [[Mark Jackson (basketball)|Mark Jackson]], who won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and garnered MVP consideration, in the [[1987 NBA draft|draft]] and with Ewing's consistently stellar play, the Knicks made [[1988 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]] with a record of 38–44, where they were defeated by the Celtics in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |title=1987–88 New York Knicks Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1988.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604141640/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1988.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1987–88 NBA Awards Voting |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1988.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805093624/http://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1988.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The resurgence continued [[1988–89 NBA season|the following season]] as the team traded backup center [[Bill Cartwright]] to the Bulls for [[power forward (basketball)|power forward]] [[Charles Oakley]] before the season started and then posted a 52–30 record, which was good enough for their first [[Atlantic Division (NBA)|division]] title in 18 years and their fifth division title in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |title=1987–88 New York Knicks Transactions |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1988_transactions.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 19, 2011 |archive-date=January 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126082155/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1988_transactions.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="88-89 record">{{cite web |title=1988–89 New York Knicks Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1989.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 19, 2011 |archive-date=April 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416114318/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1989.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Knicks Win a Title On Day Off |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/12/sports/knicks-win-a-title-on-day-off.html?scp=1&sq=Knicks,+division+title&st=nyt |work=The New York Times |author=Goldaper, Sam |date=April 12, 1989 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135105/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/12/sports/knicks-win-a-title-on-day-off.html?scp=1&sq=Knicks,+division+title&st=nyt |archive-date=November 26, 2018 |access-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In [[1989 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], they defeated the 76ers in the first round before losing to the [[Chicago Bulls]] in the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] semi-finals.<ref name="88-89 record"/>

Prior to the start of the [[1989–90 NBA season|1989–90 season]], Pitino departed from New York to coach for the [[Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball|University of Kentucky]] leaving many stunned by his departure.<ref>{{Citation |title=Reactions Emotional As Pitino Makes Move |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/31/sports/reactions-emotional-as-pitino-makes-move.html |work=The New York Times |author=Wolff, Craig |date=May 31, 1989 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405001100/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/31/sports/reactions-emotional-as-pitino-makes-move.html |archive-date=April 5, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Assistant [[Stu Jackson]] was named as Pitino's replacement becoming the team's 14th head coach and the youngest head coach in the NBA, at the time, at the age of 32.<ref>{{Citation |title=Jackson, Pitino Assistant, to Coach Knicks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/08/sports/jackson-pitino-assistant-to-coach-knicks.html |work=The New York Times |author=Goldaper, Sam |date=July 8, 1989 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405002341/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/08/sports/jackson-pitino-assistant-to-coach-knicks.html |archive-date=April 5, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Under Jackson's direction, the Knicks went 45–37 and defeated the Celtics in the first round of [[1990 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], winning the final three games after losing the first two. They went on to lose to the eventual NBA champion [[Detroit Pistons]] in the next round.<ref>{{cite web |title=1989–90 New York Knicks Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1990.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 19, 2011 |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807011714/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1990.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Jackson and the Knicks struggled to a 7–8 record to begin the [[1990–91 NBA season|1990–91 season]] and Jackson was replaced by [[John MacLeod (basketball)|John MacLeod]] who led the Knicks to a 32–35 record, ending the season with a 39–43 record overall that was good enough to earn the team another playoff appearance. The Knicks were swept in the first round by the eventual NBA champion, Chicago Bulls.<ref>{{cite web |title=1990–91 New York Knicks Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1991.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 19, 2011 |archive-date=August 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804025123/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1991.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

====1991–1996: the Pat Riley/Don Nelson years====
After the conclusion of the season, MacLeod left the team to become the head coach at the [[University of Notre Dame]]. President [[David Checketts]] reached out to [[Pat Riley]], who was working as a [[Sports commentator|commentator]] for the [[National Broadcasting Company]] (NBC), to see if he was interested in returning to coaching. Riley accepted the Knicks proposition on May 31, 1991.<ref name="Riley challenge">{{cite news |title=Basketball;Now the Hard Part for Riley: Coaching Knicks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/01/sports/basketball-now-the-hard-part-for-riley-coaching-knicks.html?scp=5&sq=Pat+riley&st=nyt |work=The New York Times |author=Brown, Clifton |date=June 1, 1991 |access-date=January 13, 2012 |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306021616/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/01/sports/basketball-now-the-hard-part-for-riley-coaching-knicks.html?scp=5&sq=Pat+riley&st=nyt |url-status=live}}</ref> Riley, who coached the Lakers to four NBA titles during the 1980s, implemented a rough and physical style emphasizing defense.<ref name="Riley challenge"/> Under Riley, the team, led by Ewing and guard [[John Starks (basketball player)|John Starks]], who scored 24 points per game and 13.9 points per game respectively, improved to a 51–31 record, tying them for first place in the Atlantic Division.<ref>{{cite web |title=John Starks |url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/john_starks/bio.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131153505/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/john_starks/bio.html |archive-date=January 31, 2009 |access-date=January 12, 2012}}</ref><ref name="92 Riley">{{cite web |title=1991–92 New York Knicks Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1992.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=January 12, 2012 |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111041237/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1992.html |url-status=live}}</ref> After defeating the Pistons in the first round of [[1992 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], the team faced the Bulls, losing the series 4–3 in seven games.<ref name="92 Riley"/> The [[1992–93 NBA season|1992–93 season]] proved to be even more successful, as the Knicks won the Atlantic Division with a 60–22 record. Before the season, the Knicks traded [[Mark Jackson (basketball)|Mark Jackson]] to the [[Los Angeles Clippers]] for [[Charles Smith (basketball, born 1965)|Charles Smith]], [[Doc Rivers]], and [[Bo Kimble]] while also acquiring [[Rolando Blackman]] from the [[Dallas Mavericks]]. After defeating the [[Indiana Pacers]] and [[Charlotte Hornets]] in the first two rounds of the [[1993 NBA playoffs|playoffs]], the Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference finals, where once again they met the Bulls. After taking a 2–0 series lead, the Knicks lost the next four games.

After the Bulls' [[Michael Jordan]] made what would be his first retirement from basketball prior to the [[1993–94 NBA season|1993–94 season]], many saw this as an opportunity for the Knicks to finally make it to the NBA Finals. The team, who acquired [[Derek Harper]] in a midseason trade with the [[Dallas Mavericks]], once again won the Atlantic Division with a 57–25 record. In [[1994 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], the team played a then NBA-record 25 games (the [[Boston Celtics]] played 26 games in the [[2008 NBA playoffs|2008 playoffs]]); they started by defeating the [[New Jersey Nets]] in the first round before finally getting past the Bulls, defeating them in the second round in seven games. In the Eastern Conference Finals, they faced the [[Indiana Pacers]], who at one point held a three games-to-two lead. They had this advantage thanks to the exploits of [[Reggie Miller]], who scored 25 fourth-quarter points in Game 5 to lead the Pacers to victory. However, the Knicks won the next two games to reach their first NBA Finals since 1973.

In [[1994 NBA Finals|the finals]], the Knicks would play seven low-scoring, defensive games against the [[Houston Rockets]]. After splitting the first two games in Houston, the Knicks would win two out of three games at [[Madison Square Garden]], which also hosted the [[New York Rangers]] [[Curse of 1940|first Stanley Cup celebration in 54 years]] following their win over the [[Vancouver Canucks]] in Game 7 of [[1994 Stanley Cup Finals|their finals]] during the series. (A Knicks win would have made the Garden the first building to host a Cup winner and an NBA champ in the same season.) In Game 6, however, a last-second attempt at a game-winning shot by Starks was tipped by Rockets center [[Hakeem Olajuwon]], giving the Rockets an 86–84 victory and forcing a Game 7. The Knicks lost Game 7 90–84, credited in large part to Starks's dismal 2-for-18 shooting performance and Riley's stubborn refusal to bench Starks, despite having bench players who were renowned for their shooting prowess, such as [[Rolando Blackman]] and [[Hubert Davis]] available. The loss denied New York the distinction of having both NBA and NHL championships in the same year. Nevertheless, the Knicks had gotten some inspiration from [[Mark Messier]] and the Rangers during the finals.

The next year, the Knicks were second place in the Atlantic Division with a 55–27 record. The team defeated the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] before facing the Pacers again in the second round. The tone for the Knicks–Pacers series was set in Game 1, as Miller once again became a clutch nuisance to the Knicks by scoring eight points in the final 8 seconds of the game to give the Pacers a 107–105 victory. The series went to a Game 7, and when [[Patrick Ewing]]'s last-second [[finger roll]] attempt to tie the game missed, the Pacers clinched the 97–95 win. Riley resigned the next day,<ref>{{cite web |date=1995-06-16 |title=Pat Out Of Control Riley Resigns As Knicks Coach In Management Power Fight |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/1995/06/16/pat-out-of-control-riley-resigns-as-knicks-coach-in-management-power-fight/ |access-date=2025-04-19 |work=New York Daily News}}</ref> and the Knicks hired [[Don Nelson]] as their new head coach.

While Nelson had been a successful coach before joining the Knicks, his offensive-oriented [[Nellie Ball]] philosophy failed to mesh with the team, and during the [[1995–96 NBA season|1995–96 season]], Nelson was fired after 59 games, and, instead of going after another well-known coach, the Knicks hired longtime assistant [[Jeff Van Gundy]], who had no prior experience as a head coach. Van Gundy, who restored the team's defense-first style of his mentor Pat Riley, went 13–10 the rest of the way. The Knicks ended up with a 47–35 record that year, and swept the Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the eventual champion Bulls (who had an NBA record 72 wins in the regular season) in five games.

====1996–2000: the Jeff Van Gundy years====
In the [[1996–97 NBA season|1996–97 season]], the Knicks, with the additions of such players as [[Larry Johnson (basketball, born 1969)|Larry Johnson]] and [[Allan Houston]], registered a 57–25 record. In the playoffs, the Knicks swept the [[Charlotte Hornets]] in the first round before facing the [[Miami Heat]] (coached by Riley) in the second round. The Knicks took a 3–1 lead in the series before a brawl near the end of Game 5 resulted in suspensions of key players. Many of the suspended Knicks players, Ewing in particular, were disciplined not for participating in the altercation itself, but for violating an NBA rule stipulating that a benched player may not leave the bench during a fight (the rule was subsequently amended, making it illegal to leave the "bench area"). With Ewing and Houston suspended for Game 6, Johnson and Starks suspended for Game 7, and [[Charlie Ward]] suspended for both, the Knicks lost the series.

The [[1997–98 NBA season|1997–98 season]] was marred by a wrist injury to Ewing on December 22, which forced him to miss the rest of the season and much of the playoffs. The team, which had a 43–39 record that season, still managed to defeat the Heat in the first round (a series, which saw another violent bench-clearing brawl at the end of Game 4, this time between Johnson and former Hornets teammate [[Alonzo Mourning]]) of the playoffs before having another meeting with the Pacers in the second round. Ewing returned in time for game two of the series. This time, the Pacers easily won the series in five games, as [[Reggie Miller]] once again broke the hearts of Knicks fans by hitting a tying three-pointer with 5.1 seconds remaining in Game 4, en route to a Pacers overtime victory. For the fourth straight year, the Knicks were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

Prior to the lockout-shortened [[1998–99 NBA season|1998–99 season]], the Knicks traded [[Charles Oakley]] to the [[Toronto Raptors]] for [[Marcus Camby]] while also trading [[John Starks (basketball)|John Starks]] in a package to the [[Golden State Warriors]] for 1994's 1st team all-league shooting guard [[Latrell Sprewell]] (whose contract was voided by the Warriors after choking Warriors' head coach [[P. J. Carlesimo]] during the previous season). After barely getting into the playoffs with a 27–23 record, the Knicks started a [[Cinderella (sports)|Cinderella]] run. It started with the Knicks eliminating the #1 seeded Heat in the first round after [[Allan Houston]] bounced in a running one-hander off the front of the rim, high off the backboard, and in with 0.8 seconds left in the deciding 5th game. This remarkable upset marked only the second time in NBA history that an 8-seed had defeated the 1-seed in the NBA playoffs, and also the first time it happened in the Eastern Conference. After defeating the [[Atlanta Hawks]] in the second round four games to none, they faced the Pacers yet again in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite losing Ewing to injury for the rest of the playoffs prior to Game 3, the Knicks won the series (aided in part to a four-point play by Larry Johnson in the final seconds of Game 3) to become the first eighth-seeded playoff team to make it to the NBA Finals. However, in the Finals, the [[San Antonio Spurs]], with superstars [[David Robinson (basketball)|David Robinson]] and [[Tim Duncan]], proved too much for the injury-laden Knicks, who lost in five games. The remarkable fifth game of this Finals is remembered for its 2nd half scoring duel between the Spurs' [[Tim Duncan]] and the Knicks' [[Latrell Sprewell]], and was decided by a long jumper by [[Avery Johnson]] with 47 seconds left to clinch the title for the Spurs.

The [[1999–2000 NBA season|1999–2000 season]], would prove to be the last one in New York for Ewing, as the Knicks, who had a 50–32 record that season swept the [[Toronto Raptors]] a team led by [[Vince Carter]], [[Antonio Davis]] and a young [[Tracy McGrady]] in three games in the first round, defeated the [[Miami Heat]] in another dramatic seven-game series in which Ewing's dunk with over a minute remaining in game 7, provided the winning margin in a 1-point road victory. They would, however, lose in the Eastern Conference Finals to the [[Reggie Miller]]-led [[Indiana Pacers]] in six games. After the season, Ewing was traded<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2000/09/21/spt_ewing_traded_to.html |title=Ewing traded to Sonics in four-team deal |publisher=Enquirer.com |date=September 21, 2000 |access-date=July 1, 2013}}</ref> on September 20, 2000, to the [[Seattle SuperSonics]], and the Ewing era, which produced many successful playoff appearances but no NBA championship titles, came to an end.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Getting It Done |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2000/09/20/ewing_trade_ap/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=Associated Press |date=September 21, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627084739/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2000/09/20/ewing_trade_ap/ |archive-date=June 27, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2000–2003: downfall===
[[File:Madison Square Garden (MSG) - Full (48124330357).jpg|right|thumb|250px|The current [[Madison Square Garden]] has been the home of the Knicks since 1968.]]
Despite the loss of Ewing, the Knicks remained successful in the regular season, as they posted a 48–34 record under the direction of Houston and Sprewell.<ref>{{cite web |title=2000–01 New York Knicks Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2001.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-date=August 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810200435/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2001.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In the first round of playoff contention, however, New York fell to the [[Toronto Raptors]] in five games, failing to get past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in a decade.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Knicks knocked out |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2001/playoffs/news/2001/05/04/knicks_side_ap/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=Associated Press |date=May 4, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104171028/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2001/playoffs/news/2001/05/04/knicks_side_ap/ |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> After a poor start to [[2001–02 New York Knicks season|the season]], the Knicks managed to get above .500 with a 10–9 record.<ref name="Resignation and Decline">{{cite web |title=2001–02 New York Knicks Schedule and Results |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2002_games.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-date=August 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818104852/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2002_games.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In spite of their recent success, Van Gundy unexpectedly resigned<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2001/12/08/vangundy_quits_ap |title=Out in a New York minute |access-date=November 9, 2012 |archive-date=May 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508023303/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2001/12/08/vangundy_quits_ap/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> as head coach on December 8, 2001, explaining he had "lost focus" and would no longer be able to properly coach the team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Gundy quits; Chaney reportedly will finish season |url=http://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2001/1208/1292090.html |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=December 8, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213035641/http://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2001/1208/1292090.html |archive-date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The team, which named longtime assistant [[Don Chaney]] as their new head coach, ended the season with a 30–52 record, and for the first time since the 1986–87 season they did not qualify for the playoffs.<ref name="Franchise index"/><ref name="Resignation and Decline"/>

In October 2002, the team elected to extend Chaney's contract for another year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks Extend Chaney's Contract |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-oct-30-sp-nbarep30-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 30, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013121052/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/oct/30/sports/sp-nbarep30 |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rather than rebuilding, the Knicks opted to add veterans to the roster including [[Antonio McDyess]] who had been dealing with knee problems in the preceding years.<ref name="Salary cap woes">{{Citation |title=New York Knicks preseason preview |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/09/04/knicks_preview/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated |author=Hollinger, John |date=September 4, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104171038/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/09/04/knicks_preview/ |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="McDyess">{{cite news |title=Pro Basketball; Grim News for Knicks: More Surgery for McDyess |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/18/sports/pro-basketball-grim-news-for-knicks-more-surgery-for-mcdyess.html |work=The New York Times |author=Broussard, Chris |date=April 18, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720182808/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/18/sports/pro-basketball-grim-news-for-knicks-more-surgery-for-mcdyess.html |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Furthermore, the Knicks were criticized by many analysts as multiple players on the roster were overpaid in light of their poor performances, causing salary cap problems that would persist until [[Donnie Walsh]] took over as team president.<ref name="Salary cap woes"/><ref>{{cite news |title=James Isn't Knicks' Be-All and End-All |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/28/sports/basketball/28knicks.html |work=The New York Times |author=Beck, Howard |date=June 27, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031000055/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/28/sports/basketball/28knicks.html |archive-date=October 31, 2015 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> McDyess injured his knee during the team's third preseason game and was subjected to further operations in April 2003 after a [[CT scan]] revealed the injured knee necessitated he undergo bone-graft surgery.<ref name="McDyess"/> The Knicks managed only seven wins in their first twenty games, setting the tone for the rest of the season, which they completed with a 37–45 record; it was their second consecutive season without a playoff appearance.<ref>{{cite web |title=2002–03 New York Knicks Schedule and Results |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2003_games.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-date=August 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831205829/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2003_games.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2003–2008: Isiah Thomas era===
[[File:Isiah Thomas 2007 (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|150px|Isiah Thomas as coach of the Knicks in 2007. He stayed six years on the bench]]
After a 10–18 start to the 2003–04 season, the Knicks underwent a massive overhaul. [[Isiah Thomas]] was named the Knicks' president on December 22, 2003, upon the firing of [[Scott Layden]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Struggling Knicks fire Layden, hire Thomas as president |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/22/knicks.layden.ap/index.html |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=December 22, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104172601/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/22/knicks.layden.ap/index.html |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Thomas continued to restructure the team, firing Chaney after an unproductive tenure and hiring Hall of Famer [[Lenny Wilkens]] to coach the team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chaney, Malone, Kruger fired; Wilkens hired |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1708761 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112221422/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1708761 |archive-date=November 12, 2011 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |date=January 15, 2004}}</ref> Additionally, Thomas orchestrated multiple trades, including one that brought [[point guard]] [[Stephon Marbury]] to the team.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marbury lands with fourth team of career |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1700818 |publisher=ESPN |date=January 6, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028063814/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1700818 |archive-date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The team qualified for the playoffs that year with a 39–43 record, but were swept by the [[New Jersey Nets]] in the first round.<ref name="Coaches galore">{{cite web |title=2003–04 New York Knicks Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2004.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-date=April 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416140439/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2004.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The series included a highly publicized spat between the Knicks' [[Tim Thomas (basketball)|Tim Thomas]] and Nets' [[Kenyon Martin]], in which Thomas all but challenged Martin to a fight and called him "Fugazy".<ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas: K-Mart's act is phony |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2004/news/story?id=1787142 |publisher=ESPN |date=April 22, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530202723/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2004/news/story?id=1787142 |archive-date=May 30, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following season, the Knicks struggled to a 17–22 record before Wilkens resigned as head coach.<ref name="Wilkens out">{{Citation |title=Knicks' Wilkens Resigns; Williams Is Interim Coach |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/23/sports/basketball/23lenny.html |work=The New York Times |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=January 23, 2005 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131031838/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/23/sports/basketball/23lenny.html |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Herb Williams]], who had previously coached the team in a game against the [[Orlando Magic]] prior to the team hiring Wilkens, took over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season and did not fare much better as the Knicks ended their season with a 33–49 record and out of playoff contention.<ref name="Coaches galore"/><ref name="Wilkens out"/><ref>{{cite web |title=2004–05 New York Knicks Roster and Statistics |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2005.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-date=April 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420134226/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2005.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Hoping to find a leader that could put the team back on track, New York hired [[Larry Brown (basketball)|Larry Brown]] to coach the team.<ref name="What can Brown do for you?">{{Citation |title=Brown Is Set to Become Next Coach of Knicks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/27/sports/basketball/27knicks |work=The New York Times |author=Beck, Howard |date=July 27, 2005 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525094858/https://www.webcitation.org/5zwAVZjMt?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/27/sports/basketball/27knicks |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Brown, who idolized the team during his childhood, was well regarded for his coaching abilities and his arrival brought a sense of hope to the franchise.<ref name="What can Brown do for you?"/> Hoping to find the next Patrick Ewing, the Knicks drafted center [[Channing Frye]] and signed centers [[Jerome James]] and [[Eddy Curry]], the former prior to the season and the latter during the season.<ref name="Centers">{{cite news |title=Bulls deal Curry after DNA test refusal |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2180298 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=October 4, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107060932/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2180298 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> Curry, who reportedly had a worrying heart condition, refused to take a controversial DNA test, and fell out of favor with [[John Paxson]], [[Chicago Bulls|Chicago]]'s general manager.<ref name="Isiah's Follies">{{cite web |title=Isiah's Folly: Why Curry trade makes little sense for NY |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/trainingcamp05/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&id=2182500&num=0 |publisher=ESPN |author=Hollinger, John |date=October 6, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107060948/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/trainingcamp05/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&id=2182500&num=0 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Bulls signed-and-traded him to the Knicks along with [[Antonio Davis]] for Tim Thomas, [[Michael Sweetney]], the Knicks' 2006 first-round pick, and the right to swap first-round picks with the Knicks in 2007, as well as 2007 and 2009 second-round picks.<ref name="Isiah's Follies"/> Isiah Thomas did not lottery-protect the picks, and the Knicks forfeited the second pick in the [[2006 NBA draft|2006 draft]], and the ninth in the [[2007 NBA draft|2007 draft]]. With a bloated payroll, the Knicks stumbled to the second worst record in the NBA that season, at 23–59.<ref name="05-06 struggles">{{cite web |title=Knicks fire Brown, name Thomas new coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2496106 |publisher=ESPN |date=June 23, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011184816/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2496106 |archive-date=October 11, 2011 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Past Prime">{{cite magazine |title=Past their prime |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jay_mohr/02/14/mohr.sports/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated |author=Mohr, Jay |date=February 15, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104172646/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jay_mohr/02/14/mohr.sports/ |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=May 20, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The season concluded with the firing and $18.5 million buy-out of head coach Larry Brown after one season.<ref name="05-06 struggles"/><ref>{{cite web |title=The Knicks Paid Larry Brown $18.5 Million To Go Away |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/2561/the-knicks-paid-larry-brown-18-5-million-to-go-away |publisher=ESPN |date=November 9, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107040140/http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/2561/the-knicks-paid-larry-brown-18-5-million-to-go-away |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Stephon Marbury.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.8|Marbury, a Brooklyn native, played for the Knicks from 2004 to 2009.]]
With the departure of Brown, team president Isiah Thomas took over the head coaching responsibilities.<ref name="05-06 struggles"/> Thomas continued his practice of signing players to high-priced contracts while the franchise struggled to capitalize on their talent on the court. As a testament to their struggles, on December 16, 2006, the Knicks and the [[Denver Nuggets]] broke into [[Knicks–Nuggets brawl|a brawl]] during their game in [[Madison Square Garden]]. With multiple players still serving a suspension as a result of the brawl, on December 20, 2006, [[David Lee (basketball)|David Lee]] created one of the most memorable plays in recent Knicks history, and served as a bright spot as the team's struggles persisted, during a game against the [[Charlotte Bobcats]]. With a tie game and 0.1 seconds left on the [[game clock (sports)|game clock]] in double [[Overtime (sports)|overtime]], [[Jamal Crawford]] inbounded from the sideline, near half-court. The ball sailed towards the basket, and with that 0.1 seconds still remaining on the game clock, Lee tipped the ball off of the backboard and into the hoop.<ref name="The Dim Bright Light">{{Citation |title=Knicks go OT again, nip Bobcats |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/games/2006-12-20-knicks-bobcats-2OT_x.htm?csp=34 |work=USA Today |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=December 21, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305170048/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/games/2006-12-20-knicks-bobcats-2OT_x.htm?csp=34 |archive-date=March 5, 2009 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Because of the [[Trent Tucker Rule]], a player is allowed solely to tip the ball to score when the ball is put back into play with three-tenths of a second or less remaining. Because of this rule, the rarity of Lee's play increases. The Knicks won, 111–109 in double overtime.<ref name="The Dim Bright Light"/> The Knicks improved by ten games in the 2006–2007 campaign in spite of injuries that ravaged the team at the end of the year; they ended with a 33–49 record, avoiding a 50-loss season by defeating the Charlotte Bobcats 94–93 on the last day of the season.

During the 2007 off-season, the organization became embroiled in further controversy away from the basketball court. [[Anucha Browne Sanders]], a former Knicks executive, had filed a [[sexual harassment]] [[lawsuit]] against Isiah Thomas and Madison Square Garden.<ref>{{cite news |title=I. Thomas Is Sued for Harassment |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/24/AR2006012401792.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 25, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103091446/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/24/AR2006012401792.html |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Faced with a trial, the jury returned a verdict finding Thomas and Madison Square Garden liable for sexual harassment.<ref name="Harassment lawsuit">{{cite web |title=MSG, Thomas settle lawsuit with compensatory damages looming |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3149371 |publisher=ESPN |date=December 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025063448/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3149371 |archive-date=October 25, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The jury also levied $11.6 million in [[punitive damages]] against Madison Square Garden, though this was later reduced to $11.5 million in a settlement between both parties.<ref name="Harassment lawsuit"/> The ordeal proved embarrassing for the franchise, revealing sordid details about Knicks management and the environment at Madison Square Garden.<ref name="Harassment lawsuit"/> The Knicks struggled as they opened their 2007 campaign with a 2–9 record leaving many Knicks fans, frustrated with the franchise's lack of progress under Thomas, called for the coach's firing—the chant "Fire Isiah" became a common occurrence during the Knicks' home games.<ref>{{cite web |title=2007–08 New York Knicks Schedule and Results |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2008.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 5, 2011 |archive-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704062525/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2008.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Counted Out, Knicks Show Their Resolve |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/sports/basketball/01knicks.html |work=The New York Times |author=Beck, Howard |date=December 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605034348/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/sports/basketball/01knicks.html |archive-date=June 5, 2015 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 29, 2007, the Knicks were handed one of their worst defeats in their history by the [[Boston Celtics]], with a final score of 104–59.<ref name="Sorrow at TD">{{cite news |title=Celtics end Knicks' brief winning streak with colossal romp |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271129002 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=November 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519092717/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271129002 |archive-date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> This matched their third-largest margin of defeat.<ref name="Sorrow at TD"/> New York went on to post an eighth consecutive losing season and tied the franchise mark for their worst record ever, at 23–59.<ref name="Franchise index"/>

===2008–2010: rebuilding===
[[File:Knicks playing at Madison Square Garden.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Knicks in action at [[Madison Square Garden]] in the [[2008–09 NBA season|2008–09 season]].]]
[[File:Mike D'Antoni 2010.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Mike D'Antoni]], head coach of the Knicks from 2008 to 2012]]
MSG chairman James Dolan hired former [[Indiana Pacers]] President [[Donnie Walsh]] on April 2, 2008, to take over Isiah Thomas's role as team president.<ref>{{cite web |title=Walsh Named Knicks President, Basketball Operations |url=http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/walsh_080402_announcement.html |publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC |website=NYKnicks.com |date=April 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213035009/http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/walsh_080402_announcement.html |archive-date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=May 17, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> At the introductory press conference, Walsh, while not proclaiming to be a savior, did set goals, which included getting the team under the salary cap and bringing back a competitive environment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Walsh Plans To Get Knicks Under Salary Cap, Change Media Policy |url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2008/04/Issue-134/Franchises/Walsh-Plans-To-Get-Knicks-Under-Salary-Cap-Change-Media-Policy.aspx |publisher=Sports Business Daily |date=April 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616060032/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2008/04/Issue-134/Franchises/Walsh-Plans-To-Get-Knicks-Under-Salary-Cap-Change-Media-Policy.aspx |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Upon the conclusion of the 2007–2008 regular season, Walsh fired Thomas, and on May 13, 2008, officially named former [[Phoenix Suns]] head coach [[Mike D'Antoni]] as head coach.<ref>{{cite news |title=After tumultuous run, Knicks fire Isiah Thomas |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/knicks/2008-04-18-thomas_N.htm |work=USA Today |author=Dougherty, Mike |date=April 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517105013/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/knicks/2008-04-18-thomas_N.htm |archive-date=May 17, 2008 |access-date=April 15, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="D'Antoni">{{cite news |title=Knicks introduce new coach D'Antoni |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3394286 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=May 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023092606/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3394286 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=May 17, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> D'Antoni signed a four-year, $24 million deal to coach the team.<ref name="D'Antoni"/> The Knicks, holding the sixth pick in the [[2008 NBA draft]], selected [[Danilo Gallinari]] on May 20, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks fans give Gallinari his own jeering section on draft night |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?page=knicksreax-080627 |publisher=ESPN |author=Parker, Patrick |date=June 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217153731/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?page=knicksreax-080627 |archive-date=December 17, 2011 |access-date=April 15, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 21, 2008, the Knicks dealt one of their top scorers, [[Jamal Crawford]], to the [[Golden State Warriors]] for [[Al Harrington]].<ref name="Looking forward: 2010">{{Citation |title=Eyeing 2010, Knicks Deal Crawford and Randolph |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/22/sports/basketball/22knicks.html |work=The New York Times |author=Beck, Howard |date=November 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430052429/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/22/sports/basketball/22knicks.html |archive-date=April 30, 2011 |access-date=April 16, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Hours later, New York traded [[Zach Randolph]], along with [[Mardy Collins]], to the [[Los Angeles Clippers]] for [[Cuttino Mobley]] and Tim Thomas, with the intention of freeing cap space for the 2010 off-season, when top-flight players such as [[LeBron James]], [[Dwyane Wade]], [[Chris Bosh]], and [[Amar'e Stoudemire]] would be available.<ref name="Looking forward: 2010"/> In February 2009, the Knicks traded Tim Thomas, Jerome James, and [[Anthony Roberson]] to the Chicago Bulls for [[Larry Hughes]], in addition to sending [[Malik Rose]] to the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] for [[Chris Wilcox]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks trade for Bulls' Hughes |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3919012 |publisher=ESPN |date=February 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629011357/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3919012 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks swap Rose for Wilcox |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3918993 |publisher=ESPN |author=Sheridan, Chris |date=February 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531025545/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3918993 |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Additionally, the long-standing controversy with [[Stephon Marbury]] ended when the two sides agreed to a buy-out of Marbury's contract, which allowed him to sign with the Celtics when he cleared waivers on February 27, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sources: Marbury may head to Boston |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3931801 |publisher=ESPN |author=Stein, Marc |date=February 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110730071713/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3931801 |archive-date=July 30, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> In spite of a volatile roster, [[2008–09 New York Knicks season|the Knicks improved]] by nine wins from the previous season in D'Antoni's first season, to finish 32–50, coinciding with the emergence of forward-center [[David Lee (basketball)|David Lee]], who led the league with 65 [[Double (basketball)|double-doubles]], and the continued development of guard Nate Robinson and swingman [[Wilson Chandler]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2008–09 Double-Double Leaders: Total Double Doubles |url=http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/DoubleD.jsp?league=00&season=22008&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1 |publisher=National Basketball Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111071217/http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/DoubleD.jsp?league=00&season=22008&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1 |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |access-date=June 28, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nate Robinson Stats |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/2782/nate-robinson |publisher=ESPN |access-date=June 28, 2009 |archive-date=February 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227000933/http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/2782/nate-robinson |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wilson Chandler Stats |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/3194/wilson-chandler |publisher=ESPN |access-date=June 28, 2009 |archive-date=February 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221015924/http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/3194/wilson-chandler |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2008–09 New York Knicks Schedule and Results |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2009_games.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 5, 2011 |archive-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704062508/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2009_games.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2009 NBA draft]], the Knicks selected forward [[Jordan Hill (basketball)|Jordan Hill]] eighth after targets such as [[Stephen Curry]], [[Jonny Flynn]], and [[Ricky Rubio]] were off the board. Guard [[Toney Douglas]] was then selected with a 29th overall pick, which was acquired from the [[Los Angeles Lakers]].<ref name="2009 Draft">{{Citation |title=The Knicks Deal, but Don't Get What They Want |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/sports/basketball/26knicks.html |work=The New York Times |author=Abrams, Jonathan |date=June 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031001012/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/sports/basketball/26knicks.html |archive-date=October 31, 2015 |access-date=June 28, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, New York executed a trade with the [[Memphis Grizzlies]] in which the Knicks acquired [[Darko Miličić]] in exchange for [[Quentin Richardson]].<ref name="2009 Draft"/> The Knicks got off to their worst 10-game start in franchise history, producing nine losses, with just one win.<ref>{{Citation |title=Knicks no match for Golden State, seal worst 10-game start in franchise history |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-11-14/sports/17938568_1_knicks-chris-duhon-nelson |work=New York Daily News |author=Isola, Frank |date=November 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927192603/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-11-14/sports/17938568_1_knicks-chris-duhon-nelson |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Knicks responded by winning nine games and losing six in December.<ref name="2009 season">{{cite web |title=2009–10 New York Knicks Schedule and Results |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2010_games.html |publisher=Basketball Reference |access-date=July 5, 2011 |archive-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704105500/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/2010_games.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On January 24, 2010, the Knicks suffered their worst home loss in Madison Square Garden history against the [[Dallas Mavericks]] in front of a sellout crowd. The 50-point loss was also the second-worst in Knicks franchise history.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mavericks' balanced offense feeds record rout of Knicks |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300124018 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=January 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420101256/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300124018 |archive-date=April 20, 2010 |access-date=January 24, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On February 17, the Knicks shook up the roster, trading Miličić to the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] for [[Brian Cardinal]] and cash considerations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milicic heads from Knicks to Wolves |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4922587 |publisher=ESPN |author=Ford, Chad |date=February 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107061102/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4922587 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=February 18, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> A day later, the Knicks and Celtics swapped guard [[Nate Robinson]] for shooting guard [[Eddie House]]. The deal also included forward [[Marcus Landry]] going to the Celtics and the Knicks acquiring bench players [[J. R. Giddens]] and [[Bill Walker (basketball)|Bill Walker]].<ref>{{cite web |title=C's land Robinson, send House to N.Y. |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=4924052 |publisher=ESPN |author=Forsberg, Chris |date=February 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107061108/http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=4924052 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=February 18, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks also acquired All-Star forward [[Tracy McGrady]] from the [[Houston Rockets]] and point guard [[Sergio Rodríguez]] from the [[Sacramento Kings]] in a three-way trade. The deal sent Knicks shooting guard [[Larry Hughes]] to Sacramento and forward Jordan Hill and power forward [[Jared Jeffries]] to Houston. The trades, orchestrated to give the Knicks more cap space for the summer of 2010, netted the Knicks $30 million of cap space.<ref>{{cite web |title=T-Mac traded in 3-team deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4924836 |publisher=ESPN |author1=Stein, Marc |author2=Chris Sheridan |date=February 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604095623/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4924836 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> About three weeks after these team-changing trades, the Knicks played the Dallas Mavericks at [[American Airlines Center]] and blew them out by a score of 128–94 for their largest win of the season.<ref name="2009 season"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks avenge loss with dominating win over Mavericks |url=http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300313006 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=March 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523095446/http://www.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300313006 |archive-date=May 23, 2010 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the Knicks were eliminated from playoff contention in late March 2010 and completed their season with a 29–53 record, a regression from their first season under D'Antoni.<ref name="2009 season"/><ref>{{Citation |title=No playoffs, lost first-rounder... and all that Jazz |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/knicks/2010/03/im-never-one-to-advocate.html |work=New York Daily News |author=Isola, Frank |date=March 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409071553/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/knicks/2010/03/im-never-one-to-advocate.html |archive-date=April 9, 2010 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2010–2013: arrival of Carmelo Anthony===
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| footer = [[Carmelo Anthony]], [[Tyson Chandler]] and [[Amar'e Stoudemire]] all featured in the starting lineup of the early 2010s Knicks
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The Knicks and former Phoenix Suns forward-center [[Amar'e Stoudemire]] came to an agreement on July 5, 2010.<ref name="Stat City">{{cite news |last=Aldridge |first=David |title=Stoudemire agrees to five-year deal with Knicks |url=http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/05/stoudemire.knicks/index.html |website=NBA.com |date=July 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102130140/http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/05/stoudemire.knicks/index.html |archive-date=January 2, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The sign and trade deal was made official on July 8 as Stoudemire agreed to an approximately $100 million contract over the span of five years.<ref name="Stat City"/> Team president Donnie Walsh stated the signing of Stoudemire as a turning point for the future of a Knicks team that had struggled in recent years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks introduce Stoudemire |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5364286 |publisher=ESPN |author=Youngmisuk, Ohm |date=July 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629022821/http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5364286 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks continued to redesign their roster, trading [[David Lee (basketball)|David Lee]] to the [[Golden State Warriors]] for [[Anthony Randolph]], [[Kelenna Azubuike]] and [[Ronny Turiaf]].<ref name="Summer of '10">{{cite web |title=Knicks unveil their latest additions |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5374652 |publisher=ESPN |author=Sheridan, Chris |date=July 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629022829/http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5374652 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks also struck deals with former [[Charlotte Bobcats|Bobcats]] point guard [[Raymond Felton]] and Russian center [[Timofey Mozgov]].<ref name="Summer of '10"/> The Knicks regained their title as the most valuable franchise in the NBA following these acquisitions, though this was mainly due to the arrival of Stoudemire, whose star power allowed the team to resurge; the Knicks sold out their full-season ticket inventory for the first time since 2002.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks now the most valuable NBA franchise |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-forbesnbavaluations012711 |work=Yahoo! Sports |author=Ozanian, Mike |date=January 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131182754/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-forbesnbavaluations012711 |archive-date=January 31, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

D'Antoni along with Stoudemire and the core of young players, including Felton, [[Danilo Gallinari]], Mozgov, [[Wilson Chandler]] and rookie [[Landry Fields]], piloted the Knicks to a 28–26 record prior to the All-Star break, marking the first time the team had been above the .500 mark at that point of the season since 2000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks Rout Hawks, Take Winning Record Into All-Star Break |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/knicks-rout-atlanta-hawks-to-take-winning-record-into-all-star-break/ |website=CBS New York |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=May 3, 2023 |date=February 16, 2011 |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503151054/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/knicks-rout-atlanta-hawks-to-take-winning-record-into-all-star-break/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In spite of the team's mounting success,<ref>{{Citation |title=Walsh Eager to Finish Job, if Knicks Let Him |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/sports/basketball/01knicks.html |work=The New York Times |author=Beck, Howard |date=January 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107031933/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/sports/basketball/01knicks.html |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> New York made a push to acquire [[Denver Nuggets]] forward [[Carmelo Anthony]]. After months of speculation, on February 22, 2011, Anthony was traded to New York, with teammates [[Chauncey Billups]], [[Shelden Williams]], [[Anthony Carter (basketball)|Anthony Carter]], and former Knicks player [[Renaldo Balkman]]. Denver acquired Felton, [[Danilo Gallinari]], [[Wilson Chandler]], Mozgov, [[Kosta Koufos]], a 2014 first-round draft pick, the Warriors' second-round draft picks for 2013 and 2014 and $3 million in cash. In addition, the Knicks sent Anthony Randolph and [[Eddy Curry]] to the Minnesota Timberwolves and in return the Timberwolves' [[Corey Brewer]] was sent to the Knicks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carmelo Anthony gives '1, 1A punch' |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=6147844 |publisher=ESPN |date=February 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224081732/http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=6147844 |archive-date=February 24, 2011 |access-date=February 22, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks Acquire Four-Time All-Star Carmelo Anthony |url=http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/carmeloanthonyacquired.html |publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC |website=NYKnicks.com |date=February 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226193017/http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/carmeloanthonyacquired.html |archive-date=February 26, 2011 |access-date=February 22, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Knicks clinched their first playoff berth since the [[2004 NBA playoffs]] in a rout of the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] on April 3, 2011.<ref>{{Citation |title=Knicks end long drought, clinch playoff spot |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/gameflash/2011/04/03/29263_recap.html?xid=si_topstories |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=April 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406003844/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/gameflash/2011/04/03/29263_recap.html?xid=si_topstories |archive-date=April 6, 2011 |access-date=April 12, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Carmelo Anthony ensured the franchise's first winning season [[2000–01 NBA season|since 2001]] on April 10, 2011, against the Indiana Pacers, as Anthony scored the game-winning basket for the Knicks and subsequently blocked [[Danny Granger]]'s shot in the final seconds of the game.<ref>{{Citation |title=Knicks Are Assured a Winning Season After Anthony's Key Shot and a Block |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/sports/basketball/11knicks.html |work=The New York Times |author=Abrams, Jonathan |date=April 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907200251/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/sports/basketball/11knicks.html |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |access-date=April 12, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Knicks were ultimately eliminated from contention in [[2011 NBA playoffs|the first round]] on April 24, 2011, by the [[Boston Celtics]], losing the series 0–4.<ref>{{Citation |title=Celtics hold on to complete sweep of Knicks |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/gameflash/2011/04/24/29657_recap.html |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=April 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529015019/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/gameflash/2011/04/24/29657_recap.html |archive-date=May 29, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In spite of Donnie Walsh's successful efforts to help rebuild the franchise, he decided not to return as the team's president, electing to step down at the end of June 2011, citing the uncertainty surrounding his ability to continue to manage the daily operations of the team.<ref name="Walsh departs">{{Citation |title=Donnie Walsh departing Knicks |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=6622321 |publisher=ESPN |author=Sheridan, Chris |date=June 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605032247/http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=6622321 |archive-date=June 5, 2011 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Glen Grunwald]] was elected as interim president and general manager.<ref name="Walsh departs"/>

Following the conclusion of the [[2011 NBA lockout]], the Knicks engaged in a sign-and-trade deal with the Mavericks for center [[Tyson Chandler]] on December 10, 2011, with Chandler signing a four-year contract worth approximately $58 million.<ref name="Tyson trade">{{cite news |title=Done deal: Knicks complete Tyson trade |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-12-10/news/30503218_1_knicks-mavs-free-agents |work=New York Daily News |author=Lawrence, Mitch |date=December 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028140201/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-12-10/news/30503218_1_knicks-mavs-free-agents |archive-date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=December 10, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In return, the Knicks sent [[Andy Rautins]] to the Mavericks, generating a trade exception for Dallas. Ronny Turiaf and $3 million in cash considerations were sent to the [[Washington Wizards|Wizards]] to complete the three-way trade. The Knicks also obtained the draft rights to [[Ahmad Nivins]] and [[Georgios Printezis]] from Dallas. In order to fit Chandler under the salary cap, Chauncey Billups was earlier waived under the amnesty clause of the new collective bargaining agreement.<ref name="Tyson trade"/> To replace Billups at point guard, the Knicks signed [[Mike Bibby]] to a one-year, veteran minimum contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks make flurry of moves |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7341514/new-york-knicks-add-point-guard-mike-bibby-re-sign-jared-jeffries |publisher=ESPN New York |author=Zwerling, Jared |date=December 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203021053/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7341514/new-york-knicks-add-point-guard-mike-bibby-re-sign-jared-jeffries |archive-date=February 3, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks also signed veteran point guard [[Baron Davis]] on December 19 to a one-year contract. At the time, Davis had suffered a herniated disk and was not expected to compete for about 6–8 weeks, leaving Toney Douglas as the team's starting point guard.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks officially sign Baron Davis |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7369234/new-york-knicks-officially-sign-baron-davis-cleveland-cavaliers-cut-pg |publisher=ESPN New York |author=Begley, Ian |date=December 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108064725/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7369234/new-york-knicks-officially-sign-baron-davis-cleveland-cavaliers-cut-pg |archive-date=January 8, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks struggled early in the season because Douglas and Bibby struggled to facilitate the offense and subsequently, it became stagnated.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks already at a turning point |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-12-30/news/30570765_1_anthony-stoudemire-knick-offense-knicks-struggle |work=New York Daily News |author=Lawrence, Mitch |date=December 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730214150/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-12-30/news/30570765_1_anthony-stoudemire-knick-offense-knicks-struggle |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Subsequently, rookie [[Iman Shumpert]] was thrust into the role as the starting point guard after Douglas was relegated to the bench due to his struggles.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks winning but missing the point |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-01-12/news/30617926_1_sixers-knicks-josh-harrellson |work=New York Daily News |author=Lawrence, Mitch |date=January 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028140152/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-01-12/news/30617926_1_sixers-knicks-josh-harrellson |archive-date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition, head coach D'Antoni also decided to use Carmelo Anthony as a point forward to help generate a more up-tempo offense; however, there were concerns Anthony was holding the ball for too long, thus contributing to the stagnation of the Knicks' offense.<ref name="Linning">{{cite web |title=Lin points Knicks in right direction |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/10808/lin-points-knicks-in-right-direction |publisher=ESPN New York |author=Begley, Ian |date=February 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207014022/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/10808/lin-points-knicks-in-right-direction |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Is Carmelo Trying to Do Too Much? |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203806504577181493828885890 |work=The Wall Street Journal |author=Clark, Kevin |date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128123650/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203806504577181493828885890.html |archive-date=January 28, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===="Linsanity"====
[[File:Jeremy Lin with the Knicks and reporters.jpg|thumb|160px|right|[[Jeremy Lin]] was a surprise player that came off the bench during the [[2011–12 New York Knicks season|2011–12 season]].]]
With the Knicks struggling to an 8–15 record, D'Antoni inserted third-string point guard [[Jeremy Lin]] into the rotation against the [[New Jersey Nets]] on February 4, 2012.<ref name="Linning"/> Lin, who had been claimed off waivers on December 27 following an injury to Iman Shumpert, scored 25 points and had seven assists en route to a Knicks win.<ref name="Linning"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks claim guard Jeremy Lin |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7392484/new-york-knicks-claim-guard-jeremy-lin-waivers-houston-rockets |publisher=ESPN New York |author=Stein, Marc |date=December 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215131548/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7392484/new-york-knicks-claim-guard-jeremy-lin-waivers-houston-rockets |archive-date=February 15, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lin was praised for his ability to facilitate the offense, something the Knicks had struggled to do for the first 23 games of the season.<ref name="Linning"/> Lin, exceeding expectations, was named the starter for the Knicks following a game against the [[Utah Jazz]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jeremy Lin starting at PG |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/10918/jeremy-lin-starting-at-pg |publisher=ESPN New York |author=Begley, Ian |date=February 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210170811/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/10918/jeremy-lin-starting-at-pg |archive-date=February 10, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lin guided the Knicks to a seven-game winning streak, despite being without Anthony and [[Amar'e Stoudemire]] for five games due to a groin injury and a death in the family respectively, that brought the team back to a .500 winning percentage.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Lin has 13 assists, Knicks run win streak to 7 |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/gameflash/2012/02/15/31513_recap.html |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=Associated Press |date=February 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219002015/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/gameflash/2012/02/15/31513_recap.html |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Amare Stoudemire returns to N.Y. |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7570963/new-york-knicks-forward-amare-stoudemire-returns-team |publisher=ESPN |author=Begley, Ian |date=February 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214020245/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7570963/new-york-knicks-forward-amare-stoudemire-returns-team |archive-date=February 14, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Carmelo Anthony returns Monday |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7595735/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-returned-new-jersey-nets |publisher=ESPN New York |author=Begley, Ian |date=February 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222031101/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7595735/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-returned-new-jersey-nets |archive-date=February 22, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The surge of positive play by the Knicks accompanied by the performance of Lin caused extensive national and worldwide media coverage that was referred to as "Linsanity".<ref>{{cite news |title=Linsanity is better to love than to hate |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/Linsanity+better+love+than+hate/6177460/story.html |work=The Province |author=Albom, Mitch |date=February 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221160900/http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Linsanity+better+love+than+hate/6177460/story.html |archive-date=February 21, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> To bolster their depth and perimeter shooting percentage, the Knicks signed [[J. R. Smith]] on February 18, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks announce J.R. Smith signing |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7585216/ex-denver-nuggets-guard-jr-smith-chooses-play-new-york-knicks |publisher=ESPN New York |first=Marc |last=Stein |date=February 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217171214/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7585216/ex-denver-nuggets-guard-jr-smith-chooses-play-new-york-knicks |archive-date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The team struggled to congeal when Anthony returned from injury and went on to lose seven of eight games before head coach Mike D'Antoni resigned on March 14, 2012. Assistant [[Mike Woodson]] was named the interim head coach.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni resigns |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7686638/new-york-knicks-coach-mike-dantoni-resigns |publisher=ESPN New York |agency=Associated Press |date=March 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315075642/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7686638/new-york-knicks-coach-mike-dantoni-resigns |archive-date=March 15, 2012 |access-date=March 14, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Under Mike Woodson====
[[File:Mike Woodson (cropped).jpg|thumb|120px|right|[[Mike Woodson]], head coach of the Knicks from 2012 to 2014]]
Under Woodson, the Knicks finished 18–6 during the regular season and clinched a playoff spot for the second straight year this time as the seventh seed, making it the first time they have clinched consecutive playoff berths since making 13 straight playoff appearances from [[1988 NBA playoffs|1988]] to [[2001 NBA playoffs|2001]].<ref name="Franchise index"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Bobcats fall to Knicks, finish with worst winning percentage in NBA history |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/recap?gameId=320426030 |publisher=ESPN New York |agency=Associated Press |date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502232051/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/recap?gameId=320426030 |archive-date=May 2, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Not only did they also clinch consecutive winning seasons for the first time in a decade, but their 36–30 record was the highest winning percentage for the team since the [[2000–01 NBA season|2000–01 season]].<ref name="Franchise index"/> The Knicks faced the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs and lost the first three games, breaking the NBA record for longest playoff losing streak at 13 games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks face elimination by Heat in Game 4 today |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/melo_knicks_hit_last_stand_Wah7fgNZSXiDEGP8NyR7NP |work=New York Post |author=Berman, Marc |date=May 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509025319/http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/melo_knicks_hit_last_stand_Wah7fgNZSXiDEGP8NyR7NP |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |access-date=May 22, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The team's struggles were partially attributed to injuries as Jeremy Lin, Baron Davis and Iman Shumpert were all sidelined by knee ailments.<ref name="Closed out">{{cite news |title=LeBron James, Heat close out Knicks in five games |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320509014 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=May 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511200737/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320509014 |archive-date=May 11, 2012 |access-date=May 22, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Knicks proceeded to win a close Game 4, which snapped their streak and ensured that they would not be swept out of the first round; however, they failed to keep up with the Heat's up-tempo offense in Game 5 and lost the series 4–1.<ref name="Closed out"/> Despite the team's disappointing postseason exit, the Knicks removed Woodson's interim status and he was officially named the full-time head coach on May 25, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks extend coach Mike Woodson |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7972933/new-york-knicks-remove-mike-woodson-interim-tag-sign-coach-multiyear-extension |publisher=ESPN New York |author=Begley, Ian |date=May 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526013947/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7972933/new-york-knicks-remove-mike-woodson-interim-tag-sign-coach-multiyear-extension |archive-date=May 26, 2012 |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Knicks began their off-season by selecting Greek forward [[Kostas Papanikolaou]] in the [[2012 NBA draft]]. One week later, the team came to terms with veteran point guard [[Jason Kidd]], who was originally supposed to serve as a backup to Lin. The Knicks also re-acquired [[Marcus Camby]] from the [[Houston Rockets]] in a sign and trade sending Houston [[Josh Harrellson]], [[Jerome Jordan]], [[Toney Douglas]] and 2014 and 2015 two second-round picks and completed a sign-and-trade with the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] that brought back [[Raymond Felton]] and [[Kurt Thomas (basketball)|Kurt Thomas]] in exchange for [[Jared Jeffries]], [[Dan Gadzuric]], and the draft rights to Papanikolaou and Greek forward [[Georgios Printezis]], whose draft rights had been acquired by the Knicks in December 2011. The Knicks also re-signed free agents [[J. R. Smith]] and [[Steve Novak]] and added more players to the roster, such as [[James White (basketball)|James White]], [[Chris Copeland]], and Argentinian point guard [[Pablo Prigioni]]. However the Knicks lost restricted free agents [[shooting guard]], [[Landry Fields]] to the [[Toronto Raptors]] and [[point guard]], [[Jeremy Lin]] to the [[Houston Rockets]], who were both key players during the [[2011–12 NBA season|2011–12 season]]. The Knicks decided not to match those teams' offers. Despite these losses, the Knicks continued to add players to the roster, signing former Chicago Bulls guard [[Ronnie Brewer]] on July 25, 2012, and signing [[Chris Smith (basketball, born 1987)|Chris Smith]], the younger brother of [[J. R. Smith]], on August 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jason Kidd opts to join Knicks |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/8133070/veteran-point-guard-jason-kidd-agrees-deal-new-york-knicks |publisher=ESPN New York |author=Stein, Marc |date=July 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705225942/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/8133070/veteran-point-guard-jason-kidd-agrees-deal-new-york-knicks |archive-date=July 5, 2012 |access-date=July 6, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks Acquire Camby and Re-Sign Novak |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/10/sports/basketball/knicks-acquire-marcus-camby-and-re-sign-steve-novak.html |work=The New York Times |author=Taylor, Nate |date=July 9, 2012 |access-date=July 11, 2012 |archive-date=July 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710192559/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/10/sports/basketball/knicks-acquire-marcus-camby-and-re-sign-steve-novak.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks to re-sign J.R. Smith |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/8146452/jr-smith-re-sign-new-york-knicks |publisher=ESPN New York |author=Begley, Ian |date=July 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713080307/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/8146452/jr-smith-re-sign-new-york-knicks |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |access-date=July 11, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was also announced that [[Rasheed Wallace]] would come out of retirement to play for the Knicks on October 2, 2012.

Despite playing without an injured Iman Shumpert and Amar'e Stoudemire, the Knicks compiled an 18–5 record to start the season, their best start since [[1993–94 NBA season|1993]]. In their first four games, they scored at least 100 points and won by double digits in all of those games. The streak ended after a 10-point loss to [[Memphis Grizzlies]]. The following Sunday, in a game against the [[Indiana Pacers]], the Knicks at home went on to win 88–76, assuring them a 7–1 record. After two tough losses to the [[Dallas Mavericks]] and [[Houston Rockets]], the Knicks returned home in a game against the [[Detroit Pistons]] on November 25, with a 121–100 blowout win, making them one of only three teams undefeated at home along with the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz. The Knicks finished November with an 11–4 record, their best month record since going 11–6 in March 2000.<ref>{{cite web |agency=Associated Press |url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-11-30/knicks-wizards-scores-results-carmelo-anthony-tyson-chandler-jr-smith?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D240372 |title=Knicks vs. Wizards: New York beats Washington for 10th straight time – NBA – Sporting News |publisher=Aol.sportingnews.com |date=August 15, 2009 |access-date=July 1, 2013 |archive-date=May 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517190839/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-11-30/knicks-wizards-scores-results-carmelo-anthony-tyson-chandler-jr-smith?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk2&pLid=240372 |url-status=dead}}</ref> By the All-Star break in mid-February 2013, the Knicks compiled a 32–18 record, good for second in the Eastern Conference. On February 21, on the trade deadline, the team traded Ronnie Brewer for a 2014 second-round draft pick. The Knicks then signed veteran power forward [[Kenyon Martin]] to a 10-day contract. In late March, the Knicks went on to compile a four-game losing streak, tying their worst skid of the season. They would go on and face the Jazz on the road, eventually winning the game and starting what would turn out to be a 13-game winning streak, including wins against the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This was the third-longest winning streak in franchise history. On April 9, the Knicks beat the Washington Wizards to secure the Atlantic Division title for the first time since the 1993–94 NBA season. The Knicks' 13-game winning streak came to an end on April 11 as they lost to the Chicago Bulls. Despite that, they set the NBA single-season record for three-pointers. On May 3, the Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs, 4–2, their first playoff victory since 2000. On May 18, the Knicks were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, losing the series to the Indiana Pacers 4–2. Point guard Jason Kidd retired following the end of the season—he was named head coach of the Brooklyn Nets a few days later. In the 2013 NBA draft, the Knicks selected [[Tim Hardaway Jr.]] as the 24th pick in the first round. During the 2013 off-season, The Knicks claimed Los Angeles Lakers F [[Metta World Peace]] off of waivers. They re-signed J. R. Smith to a 3-year, $18 million deal and traded [[Quentin Richardson]], [[Steve Novak]], [[Marcus Camby]], and three draft picks to acquire [[Andrea Bargnani]] from the [[Toronto Raptors]].

===2013–2017: Phil Jackson era===
The Knicks also saw changes to business operations in late 2013, replacing general manager Glen Grunwald with former MSG president [[Steve Mills (sports executive)|Steve Mills]].<ref name="ESPN New York2013">{{cite web |title=Steve Mills rejoins Knicks as GM |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/9726545/steve-mills-returning-new-york-knicks-gm |publisher=ESPN New York |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926232515/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/9726545/steve-mills-returning-new-york-knicks-gm |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks also purchased an [[Westchester Knicks|NBA D-League team]] located [[White Plains, New York|White Plains]], which began operations at the start of the [[2014–15 NBA Development League season|2014–15 NBDL season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA D-League Expands to 18 as Knicks Purchase Team |url=http://www.nba.com/dleague/newyork/DLeague_Release_140310.html |work=NBA.com |date=March 10, 2014 |access-date=March 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314080127/http://www.nba.com/dleague/newyork/DLeague_Release_140310.html |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Knicks then appointed former coach [[Phil Jackson]] as president of basketball operations, with Mills remaining as general manager, with the duo working directly under MSG chairman James Dolan.<ref name="Jackson hired 2014">{{cite web |title=Jackson returns to Knicks as team president |url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/03/18/phil-jackson-introduced-by-knicks.ap/index.html |agency=Associated Press |publisher=National Basketball Association |date=March 18, 2014 |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105114827/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/03/18/phil-jackson-introduced-by-knicks.ap/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the [[2013–14 NBA season|2013–14 season]], coach [[Mike Woodson]] and his entire staff were fired,<ref>{{cite web |last=Begley |first=Ian |title=Knicks fire entire coaching staff |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/10815529/mike-woodson-fired-new-york-knicks-coach |work=Article |date=April 21, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=April 21, 2014 |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929112059/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/10815529/mike-woodson-fired-new-york-knicks-coach |url-status=live}}</ref> and was replaced by [[Derek Fisher]]. Fisher played under Jackson with the [[Los Angeles Lakers]], winning five [[List of NBA champions|NBA championships]] with the franchise.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knicks Hire Derek Fisher As Head Coach |url=http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/knicks-hire-derek-fisher-head-coach |publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC |website=NYKnicks.com |date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=June 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613020729/http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/knicks-hire-derek-fisher-head-coach |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks finished the season with a disappointing 37–45 record and finished ninth in the Eastern Conference, but was the season [[Carmelo Anthony]] established his career high, the Knicks' franchise record, and the Madison Square Garden record for single-game scoring. Anthony recorded 62 points and 13 rebounds in a victory against the [[Charlotte Hornets|Charlotte Bobcats]].<ref>Ben Golliver, [http://nba.si.com/2014/01/24/carmelo-anthony-62-points-knicks-bobcats-madison-square-garden/ "Carmelo Anthony sets Knicks franchise, MSG scoring records with career-high 62 points"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401023152/http://nba.si.com/2014/01/24/carmelo-anthony-62-points-knicks-bobcats-madison-square-garden/ |date=April 1, 2014}}, ''Sports Illustrated'', February 11, 2014</ref>

[[File:Phil Jackson 3 cropped.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The Knicks observed their worst-ever regular season record under the stewardship of [[Phil Jackson]], who acted as the president of the franchise from 2013 to 2017.]]
''[[Forbes]]'' magazine released its franchise value rankings for NBA teams, and listed the Knicks as the world's most valuable basketball organization at $1.4 billion in 2014, edging out the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] by $50 million. The Knicks were valued at 40% more than the third-place [[Chicago Bulls]] valuation of $1 billion, and were valued nearly twice as highly as their crosstown rivals, the [[Brooklyn Nets]], who came in at $780 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Forbes Releases 16th Annual NBA Team Valuations |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2014/01/22/forbes-releases-16th-annual-nba-team-valuations |work=Forbes.com |date=January 22, 2014 |access-date=May 5, 2014 |archive-date=May 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505214932/http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2014/01/22/forbes-releases-16th-annual-nba-team-valuations/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the off-season, the Knicks traded controversial guard [[Raymond Felton]], along with former NBA defensive player of the year, [[Tyson Chandler]], to the [[Dallas Mavericks]]. In return, the Knicks received [[Shane Larkin]], [[José Calderón (basketball)|José Calderón]], [[Samuel Dalembert]], and [[Wayne Ellington]] along with two picks for the [[2014 NBA draft]]. The trade was the first one that Jackson ever executed as a front office executive. On June 26, as part of the draft, the Knicks selected [[Cleanthony Early]] as the 34th overall pick, and [[Thanasis Antetokounmpo]] as the 51st overall pick, using the draft picks received in the trade from the Mavericks. The Knicks also acquired [[Louis Labeyrie]], an additional second-round draft pick, in a trade with the [[Indiana Pacers]] for cash considerations.

The Knicks would then go onto set a franchise record with its 13th consecutive loss, losing 101–91 to the [[Washington Wizards]], giving New York its longest losing streak in the franchise's 69-season history.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150107/NYKWAS/gameinfo.html |title=Knicks set record with 13th straight loss, 101-91 to Wizards |website=[[NBA.com]] |access-date=January 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108084948/http://www.nba.com/games/20150107/NYKWAS/gameinfo.html |archive-date=January 8, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> This record was extended to 16th consecutive losses, after the [[NBA Global Games]] loss against the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] in London. The Knicks would finish the [[2014–15 New York Knicks season|2014–15 season]] with a win–loss record of 17–65, the worst record in franchise history, and allowed them to gain the 4th overall selection in the upcoming draft. The Knicks also bought out [[Amar'e Stoudemire]]'s $100 million contract a season early.

On June 24, 2015, the Knicks selected [[Kristaps Porziņģis]] with the fourth overall pick in the draft, and traded [[Tim Hardaway Jr.]] to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for [[Jerian Grant]], the 19th overall pick. Midway through another losing season, Fisher was relieved of his coaching duties, with [[Kurt Rambis]] being named as interim head coach as the Knicks finished the season with a record of 32–50.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks Relieve Fisher Of Coaching Duties |url=http://www.nba.com/knicks/knicks-relieve-fisher-coaching-duties |publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC |website=NYKnicks.com |date=February 8, 2016 |access-date=February 8, 2016 |archive-date=September 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925041929/http://www.nba.com/knicks/knicks-relieve-fisher-coaching-duties |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jeff Hornacek]] was then hired as their next head coach, which also oversaw Jackson's most notable acts as an executive. On June 22, former [[NBA MVP]] [[Derrick Rose]] was traded, along with [[Justin Holiday]] and a second-round pick from Chicago, to New York in exchange for [[Robin Lopez]], [[José Calderón (basketball)|José Calderón]] and Grant. The Knicks also signed [[Joakim Noah]], [[Brandon Jennings]], and [[Courtney Lee]] to contracts worth a combined $127 million, and regressed the following season, causing the franchise to part ways with Jackson after three years as the Knicks' president of basketball operations.<ref name="nba.com">{{cite web |title=Phil Jackson, New York Knicks Agree to Part Company |url=http://www.nba.com/knicks/philjacksonknicks |website=NBA.com |access-date=June 28, 2017 |date=June 28, 2017 |archive-date=June 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628160740/http://www.nba.com/knicks/philjacksonknicks |url-status=live}}</ref> Under Jackson's presidency, the Knicks had gone 80–166, suffered three consecutive losing seasons, and missed three consecutive playoffs.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19755552/new-york-knicks-team-president-phil-jackson-mutually-agree-part-ways |title=Knicks, Phil mutually part ways after 3 years |work=ESPN.com |access-date=June 28, 2017 |archive-date=June 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628161052/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19755552/new-york-knicks-team-president-phil-jackson-mutually-agree-part-ways |url-status=live}}</ref>

In his last act prior to leaving the Knicks, Jackson selected [[Frank Ntilikina]] with the eighth overall pick, [[Damyean Dotson]] with the 44th overall pick, and [[Ognjen Jaramaz]] with the 58th overall pick in the [[2017 NBA draft]].

===2017–2020: further struggles===
Following Jackson's departure, the Knicks appointed [[Scott Perry (basketball)|Scott Perry]] as general manager and named [[Steve Mills (sports executive)|Steve Mills]] president of basketball operations.<ref name="Perry Mills 2017">{{cite web |title=Steve Mills named president, Scott Perry named general manager of New York Knicks |url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/07/14/steve-mills-president-and-scott-perry-general-manager-new-york-knicks |website=NBA.com |access-date=July 14, 2017 |archive-date=July 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715015420/http://www.nba.com/article/2017/07/14/steve-mills-president-and-scott-perry-general-manager-new-york-knicks |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks also saw Carmelo Anthony demanding a trade from the team, which posed difficulty for both player and franchise due to a no-trade clause inserted in Anthony's contract given by Jackson in 2013. Originally, the only teams for which he would waive his no-trade clause were for the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] and the [[Houston Rockets]], with the former eventually removed from trade discussions due to internal conflicts. Anthony intended to join the Rockets, with a three-way trade with the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] set up involving [[Ryan Anderson (basketball, born 1988)|Ryan Anderson]]. Anderson's three-year, $60 million contract was not feasibly able to be absorbed by either franchise, however, causing Perry to cease talks with the Rockets, before agreeing to a deal with the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]], after Anthony agreed to expand his no-trade clause to include the Thunder.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2017/9/23/15941990/carmelo-anthony-trade-thunder-knicks |title=Carmelo Anthony traded to Thunder in blockbuster deal |work=SBNation |date=September 23, 2017 |access-date=September 24, 2017 |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924001627/https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2017/9/23/15941990/carmelo-anthony-trade-thunder-knicks |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/09/22/carmelo-anthony-adds-cleveland-cavaliers-list-teams-hes-willing-get-traded/695658001/ |title=Carmelo Anthony adds Cavaliers, Thunder to list of teams he's willing to get traded to |work=USA Today |date=September 21, 2017 |access-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629162252/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/09/22/carmelo-anthony-adds-cleveland-cavaliers-list-teams-hes-willing-get-traded/695658001/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks received [[Enes Kanter]], [[Doug McDermott]] and a 2018 second-round pick in exchange for Anthony on September 25, 2017,<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks Trade Carmelo Anthony To Oklahoma City |url=http://www.nba.com/knicks/features/knicks-trade-carmelo-anthony-oklahoma-city |website=NBA.com |access-date=October 19, 2017 |date=September 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004152317/http://www.nba.com/knicks/features/knicks-trade-carmelo-anthony-oklahoma-city/ |url-status=live}}</ref> while also positioning [[Kristaps Porziņģis]] as the new centerpiece of the franchise.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berman |first1=Marc |title=The Knicks belong to Kristaps Porzingis: Now what? |url=https://nypost.com/2017/09/23/the-knicks-belong-to-kristaps-porzingis-now-what/ |website=New York Post |access-date=October 20, 2017 |date=September 24, 2017 |archive-date=October 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020032516/http://nypost.com/2017/09/23/the-knicks-belong-to-kristaps-porzingis-now-what/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Knicks also re-signed [[Tim Hardaway Jr.]] to a four-year, $71 million contract, while also agreeing to a one-year, minimum contract with [[Michael Beasley]]. The franchise also traded for former lottery pick [[Emmanuel Mudiay]] from the [[Denver Nuggets]] at the trade deadline, who was a point guard the Knicks were rumored to have targeted prior to selecting Porziņģis in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/why-emmanuel-mudiay-would-be-the-right-draft-pick-for-the-knicks-at-no-4-052815 |title=Why Emmanuel Mudiay would be the right draft pick for the Knicks at No. 4 |work=FOX Sports |date=May 28, 2015 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |archive-date=March 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031716/https://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/why-emmanuel-mudiay-would-be-the-right-draft-pick-for-the-knicks-at-no-4-052815 |url-status=live}}</ref> The trade also included the [[Dallas Mavericks]], with Dallas acquiring McDermott from the Knicks, and the Nuggets obtaining [[Devin Harris]] from Dallas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/02/08/new-york-knicks-acquire-emmanual-mudiay-three-team-deal-official-release#/ |title=Knicks acquire Emmanual Mudiay in 3-team trade |work=NBA.com |date=February 8, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614003958/http://www.nba.com/article/2018/02/08/new-york-knicks-acquire-emmanual-mudiay-three-team-deal-official-release/#/ |url-status=live}}</ref> However, the season again ended poorly, with 29–53 record to leave the Knicks as the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference. This caused the Knicks to part ways with head coach [[Jeff Hornacek]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/jeff-hornacek-relieved-coaching-duties |title=JEFF HORNACEK RELIEVED OF HEAD COACHING DUTIES |work=NBA.com |date=April 12, 2018 |access-date=April 14, 2018 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041809/https://www.nba.com/knicks/news/jeff-hornacek-relieved-coaching-duties |url-status=live}}</ref> Hornacek's two full seasons retained criticism for the team's continued struggle on defense, as well as the inability to implement an efficient, modern offense.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2018/04/12/knicks-part-ways-with-jeff-hornacek/#743d96141dcf |title=New York Knicks Fire Jeff Hornacek, Beginning Another Search For Stability And A Modern Offense |work=Forbes |date=April 12, 2018 |access-date=April 14, 2018 |archive-date=April 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414172856/https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2018/04/12/knicks-part-ways-with-jeff-hornacek/#743d96141dcf |url-status=live}}</ref> He was replaced with former [[Memphis Grizzlies]] head coach [[David Fizdale]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nypost.com/2018/05/06/confidant-why-knicks-job-intrigued-david-fizdale-so-much/ |title=Why Knicks job intrigued David Fizdale so much |newspaper=New York Post |access-date=May 28, 2018 |archive-date=May 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203025/https://nypost.com/2018/05/06/confidant-why-knicks-job-intrigued-david-fizdale-so-much/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Fizdale signed a four-year deal, and was tasked to deliver on player development and improving the team's basketball philosophy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/david-fizdale-knicks-1.18407949 |title=David Fizdale appears to be the right man to lead the Knicks |work=Newsday |access-date=May 28, 2018 |archive-date=May 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203043/https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/david-fizdale-knicks-1.18407949 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 15, 2018, the Knicks were awarded the ninth overall pick in the [[2018 NBA draft]], and selected [[Kevin Knox II]] from the [[Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball|Kentucky]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Iseman |first1=Chris |title=NBA lottery: New York Knicks to pick 9th in NBA draft |url=https://eu.northjersey.com/story/sports/nba/knicks/2018/05/15/new-york-knicks-nba-draft-lottery-pick/613014002/ |website=North Jersey |access-date=May 29, 2018 |date=May 16, 2018 |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228181011/https://eu.northjersey.com/story/sports/nba/knicks/2018/05/15/new-york-knicks-nba-draft-lottery-pick/613014002/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The team also acquired [[Mitchell Robinson]] with the 36th overall pick, and signed former lottery pick [[Mario Hezonja]]. They further invested in untapped potential by signing another former lottery pick, with [[Noah Vonleh]] agreeing to a one-year deal.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2018/07/24/knicks-sign-noah-vonleh-continue-to-invest-in-untapped-potential/#5427f5791875 |title=Knicks Sign Noah Vonleh, Continue To Invest In Untapped Potential |magazine=Forbes |access-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727115824/https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2018/07/24/knicks-sign-noah-vonleh-continue-to-invest-in-untapped-potential/#5427f5791875 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, following a dismal start to [[2018–19 New York Knicks season|the season]], and after a meeting with Porziņģis gave team officials the impression that he wanted to be traded,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25893669 |title=Kristaps Porzingis concerned about Knicks' direction, wants to be traded |work=ESPN.com |date=January 31, 2019 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202095116/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25893669 |url-status=live}}</ref> Porziņģis was traded on January 30, 2019, alongside [[Trey Burke]], [[Courtney Lee]] and [[Tim Hardaway Jr.]], to the [[Dallas Mavericks]] in exchange for [[DeAndre Jordan]], [[Wesley Matthews]], [[Dennis Smith Jr.]], an unprotected 2021 first-round draft pick, and an additional top-ten protected 2023 first-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mavs.com/mavericks-acquire-all-star-kristaps-porzingis-tim-hardaway-jr-courtney-lee-and-trey-burke-in-trade-with-knicks/ |title=Mavericks acquire All-Star Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke in trade with Knicks |work=Mavs.com |date=January 31, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065448/https://www.mavs.com/mavericks-acquire-all-star-kristaps-porzingis-tim-hardaway-jr-courtney-lee-and-trey-burke-in-trade-with-knicks/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks finished the 2018–19 season with a league worst 17–65 regular season record, but the season was notable for the emergence of undrafted rookie [[Allonzo Trier]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schmeelk |first1=John |title=Schmeelk: How Good Is Knicks' Allonzo Trier? |url=https://wfan.radio.com/blogs/john-schmeelk/how-good-new-york-knicks-allonzo-trier |website=WFAN Sports Radio |access-date=July 14, 2019 |date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703223717/https://wfan.radio.com/blogs/john-schmeelk/how-good-new-york-knicks-allonzo-trier |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as for the progression of Dotson and Robinson.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stratakos |first1=Robbie |title=Damyean Dotson is the most underrated aspect of the New York Knicks young core |url=https://clutchpoints.com/damyean-dotson-is-the-most-underrated-aspect-of-the-new-york-knicks-young-core/ |website=ClutchPoints |access-date=July 14, 2019 |date=April 16, 2019 |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703232209/https://clutchpoints.com/damyean-dotson-is-the-most-underrated-aspect-of-the-new-york-knicks-young-core/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Vertsberger |first1=David |title=Is Mitchell Robinson the Knicks' best prospect? |url=https://www.sny.tv/knicks/news/is-mitchell-robinson-the-knicks-best-prospect/304051202/ |website=SNY |access-date=July 14, 2019 |date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703223704/https://www.sny.tv/knicks/news/is-mitchell-robinson-the-knicks-best-prospect/304051202/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks won the third overall pick in the [[2019 NBA draft]], and selected [[RJ Barrett]] from [[2018–19 Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team|Duke]]. The team also traded for forward [[Iggy Brazdeikis]], who was drafted in the second round from [[2018–19 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team|Michigan]].

In preparation for the 2019–20 season, and as a result of having a record $74 million in cap space following the Porziņģis trade,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Begley |first1=Ian |title=The Knicks won the tank race — now they need a little luck |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26599267/the-knicks-won-tank-race-now-need-little-luck |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 20, 2022 |date=April 26, 2019 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521034049/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26599267/the-knicks-won-tank-race-now-need-little-luck |url-status=live}}</ref> the team divided it among five new signings. The Knicks agreed terms with veteran role players [[Wayne Ellington]] and [[Taj Gibson]], with forward [[Bobby Portis]] also signing. The team then signed former lottery picks [[Elfrid Payton (basketball)|Elfrid Payton]] and [[Julius Randle]]. On February 4, 2020, the Knicks fired Steve Mills after seven seasons as president with Scott Perry taking over on an interim basis.<ref>{{cite web |title=New York Knicks Announce Steve Mills to Leave His Position |url=https://www.nba.com/knicks/front-office-news/new-york-knicks-announce-steve-mills-to-leave-his-position |website=NBA.com |access-date=February 5, 2020 |date=February 4, 2020 |archive-date=February 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204221559/https://www.nba.com/knicks/front-office-news/new-york-knicks-announce-steve-mills-to-leave-his-position |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2020–present: Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns===
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| footer = 2019 third overall pick guard [[RJ Barrett]], 2021 [[All-NBA Second Team]] forward and Most Improved Player Julius Randle, and Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau led the Knicks to a surprisingly successful 41–31 record in 2020–21 and their first playoff berth in years.
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}}
On March 2, 2020, [[Leon Rose]] was named president of the team.<ref name="President Rose">{{cite web |title=Leon Rose Named President of New York Knicks |url=https://www.nba.com/knicks/front-office-news/leon-rose-named-president-new-york-knicks |website=NBA.com |access-date=March 3, 2020 |date=March 2, 2020 |archive-date=March 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303103555/https://www.nba.com/knicks/front-office-news/leon-rose-named-president-new-york-knicks |url-status=live}}</ref> On July 30, the Knicks announced that they hired [[Tom Thibodeau]] as their head coach.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/07/30/knicks-hire-tom-thibodeau-as-coach/ |title=Knicks hire Tom Thibodeau as coach |first=Dan |last=Feldman |date=July 30, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2021 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326150950/https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/07/30/knicks-hire-tom-thibodeau-as-coach/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Julius Randle]] had a breakout season and, on February 23, 2021, Randle was named as a reserve for the [[2021 NBA All-Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Harden, Lillard headline 2021 NBA All-Star reserves |url=https://www.nba.com/news/2021-nba-all-star-reserves-revealed |website=NBA.com |access-date=February 24, 2021 |date=February 23, 2021 |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224004417/https://www.nba.com/news/2021-nba-all-star-reserves-revealed |url-status=live}}</ref> On May 3, with a 118–104 win over the [[Memphis Grizzlies]], the Knicks clinched their first winning season since the [[2012–13 NBA season|2012–13 season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Randle, Rose lead Knicks to win over Grizzlies |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401307783 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 4, 2021 |date=May 3, 2021 |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504042154/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401307783 |url-status=live}}</ref> On May 12, the Knicks clinched their first playoff appearance since 2013, ending their eight-year playoff drought.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berman |first1=Marc |title=Knicks are going back to the NBA playoffs: 'Not close to done' |url=https://nypost.com/2021/05/12/knicks-clinch-playoff-spot-for-first-time-in-eight-years/ |website=New York Post |access-date=May 13, 2021 |date=May 13, 2021 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207212351/https://nypost.com/2021/05/12/knicks-clinch-playoff-spot-for-first-time-in-eight-years/ |url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the regular season, Randle was named [[NBA Most Improved Player Award|NBA Most Improved Player]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Julius Randle named 2020-21 Kia NBA Most Improved Player |url=https://www.nba.com/news/julius-randle-named-2020-21-kia-nba-most-improved-player |website=NBA.com |access-date=June 9, 2021 |date=May 25, 2021 |archive-date=May 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525233013/https://www.nba.com/news/julius-randle-named-2020-21-kia-nba-most-improved-player |url-status=live}}</ref> while Thibodeau was named the [[NBA Coach of the Year Award|NBA Coach of the Year]], becoming the first Knicks head coach since [[Pat Riley]] in [[1992–93 NBA season|1992–93]] to receive the award.<ref>{{cite web |title=New York's Tom Thibodeau wins 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year award |url=https://www.nba.com/news/new-yorks-tom-thibodeau-wins-2020-21-nba-coach-of-the-year-award |website=NBA.com |access-date=June 9, 2021 |date=June 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721153834/https://www.nba.com/news/new-yorks-tom-thibodeau-wins-2020-21-nba-coach-of-the-year-award |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks faced the [[Atlanta Hawks]] in the first round of the [[2021 NBA playoffs]] as the fourth seed,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berman |first1=Marc |title=Knicks clinch No. 4 seed, will face Hawks in NBA playoffs |url=https://nypost.com/2021/05/16/knicks-clinch-no-4-seed-will-face-hawks-in-nba-playoffs/ |website=New York Post |access-date=May 16, 2021 |date=May 16, 2021 |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516193012/https://nypost.com/2021/05/16/knicks-clinch-no-4-seed-will-face-hawks-in-nba-playoffs/ |url-status=live}}</ref> losing in five games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Young scores 36 points, Hawks finish off Knicks in Game 5 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401327884 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=June 2, 2021 |date=June 2, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603031144/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401327884 |url-status=live}}</ref> Fan attendance in home games during the 2020–21 season was prohibited until February 23, 2021, per an executive order from [[Governor of New York]] [[Andrew Cuomo]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Higgins-Dunn |first1=Noah |title=New York Gov. Cuomo says Barclays Center, other large arenas in the state, can reopen starting Feb. 23 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/10/new-york-gov-cuomo-says-barclays-center-other-large-arenas-in-the-state-can-reopen-starting-feb-23.html |website=CNBC |access-date=March 3, 2021 |date=February 10, 2021 |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306123352/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/10/new-york-gov-cuomo-says-barclays-center-other-large-arenas-in-the-state-can-reopen-starting-feb-23.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks reopened [[Madison Square Garden]] to spectators on February 23.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosner |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Marino |first2=Joe |last3=Garger |first3=Kenneth |title=Knicks, Nets fans welcomed back inside arenas: 'completely electric' |url=https://nypost.com/2021/02/24/knicks-nets-fans-welcomed-back-inside-msg-barclays-center/ |website=New York Post |access-date=March 3, 2021 |date=February 23, 2021 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304033711/https://nypost.com/2021/02/24/knicks-nets-fans-welcomed-back-inside-msg-barclays-center/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the 2021 off-season, the Knicks retained much of their old talent, while bringing in former all-star guard [[Kemba Walker]] and forward [[Evan Fournier]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Knicks introduce free-agent signings Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier |url=https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2021/8/18/22629906/the-knicks-introduce-free-agent-signings-kemba-walker-and-evan-fournier |website=postingandtoasting.com |access-date=October 2, 2021 |date=August 18, 2021 |archive-date=October 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002181859/https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2021/8/18/22629906/the-knicks-introduce-free-agent-signings-kemba-walker-and-evan-fournier |url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, after Randle's breakthrough season, the Knicks extended his contract for four years in August 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Julius Randle agrees to 4-year, $117 million extension with New York Knicks |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31963913/julius-randle-agrees-4-year-117-million-extension-new-york-knicks |website=[[ESPN]] |access-date=October 2, 2021 |date=August 5, 2021 |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108060138/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31963913/julius-randle-agrees-4-year-117-million-extension-new-york-knicks |url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 13, 2022, the Knicks traded former eighth overall pick of the [[2018 NBA draft]], [[Kevin Knox II]] and a protected future first round pick in exchange for former 10th overall pick of the [[2019 NBA draft]], [[Cam Reddish]], [[Solomon Hill (basketball)|Solomon Hill]] and a 2025 second-round draft pick and cash considerations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knicks Acquire Cam Reddish |url=https://www.nba.com/knicks/front-office-news/knicks-acquire-cam-reddish |website=NBA.com |access-date=May 1, 2022 |date=January 13, 2022 |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215022743/https://www.nba.com/knicks/front-office-news/knicks-acquire-cam-reddish |url-status=live}}</ref> During the 2021–22 season, the Knicks struggled regressed finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 37–45 record.<ref name="AP NEWS2022">{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2022 |title=After rare playoff appearance, Randle, Knicks take step back |url=https://apnews.com/article/new-york-knicks-nba-sports-nyc-state-wire-evan-fournier-71638cbb2a52d260916bcbb6d2dd0aee |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=AP NEWS |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501212944/https://apnews.com/article/new-york-knicks-nba-sports-nyc-state-wire-evan-fournier-71638cbb2a52d260916bcbb6d2dd0aee |url-status=live}}</ref> Randle took a step back having a down season across the boards and his shooting percentages took a hit that resulted in fans booing Randle and increased trade rumours, and the lack of leadership of Randle was questioned, along with attitude and desire to be a Knick.<ref name="AP NEWS2022" /> Head coach Thibodeau was questioned if he was the right coach for the Knicks heading onwards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siegel |first=Brett |title=Inside The Knicks' Fallout This Season, and What's Next For Julius Randle and Franchise |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/rumors/inside-new-york-knicks-fallout-whats-next-for-coach-tom-thibodeau-star-julius-randle |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=SI.com |date=April 26, 2022 |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501212944/https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/rumors/inside-new-york-knicks-fallout-whats-next-for-coach-tom-thibodeau-star-julius-randle |url-status=live}}</ref> The signings of guard [[Kemba Walker]] and forward [[Evan Fournier]] were considered extreme failures that set the Knicks back as well.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explaining Knicks' regression in Year 2 under Tom Thibodeau as New York fails to earn straight playoff berths |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/explaining-knicks-regression-in-year-2-under-tom-thibodeau-as-new-york-fails-to-earn-straight-playoff-berths/ |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |date=April 3, 2022 |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501212944/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/explaining-knicks-regression-in-year-2-under-tom-thibodeau-as-new-york-fails-to-earn-straight-playoff-berths/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The third overall pick of the [[2019 NBA draft]], [[RJ Barrett]] in his third season averaged 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 27, 2022 |title=Knicks: RJ Barrett maps out plan to reach his All-Star goal next season |url=https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-knicks/knicks-rj-barrett-maps-out-plan-to-reach-his-all-star-goal-next-season/ |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=Empire Sports Media |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427202725/https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-knicks/knicks-rj-barrett-maps-out-plan-to-reach-his-all-star-goal-next-season/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Jalen Brunson 2023 (cropped).jpg|thumb|175px|[[Jalen Brunson]] signed with the Knicks in 2022.]]
The 2022 off-season brought a lot of change to the Knicks' roster. During the [[2022 NBA draft]], the Knicks traded [[Alec Burks]], [[Nerlens Noel]] and [[Kemba Walker]] to the [[Detroit Pistons]] to clear cap space for the free agency period, as well as trading their 11th overall pick for protected future first round picks.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maloney |first1=Jack |title=2022 NBA Draft: Breaking down the Knicks' three separate trades after moving Kemba Walker |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2022-nba-draft-breaking-down-the-knicks-three-separate-trades-after-moving-kemba-walker/ |website=CBSSports.com |access-date=April 11, 2023 |date=June 24, 2022}}</ref> On June 12, 2022, the Knicks signed point guard [[Jalen Brunson]] to a four-year contract, with hopes he could bring some much-needed stability to the position.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jalen Brunson, Knicks agree to 4-year, $104 million deal |url=https://www.nba.com/news/jalen-brunson-2022-nba-free-agency |website=NBA.com |access-date=April 11, 2023 |date=July 12, 2022 |archive-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411040602/https://www.nba.com/news/jalen-brunson-2022-nba-free-agency |url-status=live}}</ref> The Knicks completed the 2022–23 season with a 47–35 record, finishing in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Randle represented the Knicks in the [[2023 NBA All-Star Game]]. In the first round of the [[2023 NBA playoffs|2023 playoffs]], the Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, their first playoff series win since 2013. They were then defeated 4–2 by the [[Miami Heat]] in the second round.<ref>{{cite news |last=Reynolds |first=Tim |date=May 12, 2023 |title=Heat back to the NBA's final four, top Knicks 96-92 for 4-2 series win |url=https://apnews.com/article/heat-knicks-eastern-conference-nba-playoffs-2023-fb8db311e333525430ad0e3bef5d6eaa |work=[[Associated Press]] News |location=[[Miami]] |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref>

In 2024, the Knicks saw Brunson and Randle represent them at the [[2024 NBA All-Star Game|NBA All-Star Game]]. The team finished with 50 wins and secured the second seed, with a first round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks defeated the 76ers in six games, before falling short in seven games against the Indiana Pacers.