Ex-Lakers, Mavs guard floated as Knicks’ new Jalen Brunson backup target

Following a masterful run to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals and a productive offseason, the New York Knicks appear primed to break through for an NBA Finals run behind Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns in the 2025-26 season.

New York's summer acquisitions of ex-Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele and ex-Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson along with training camp addition Malcolm Brogdon did plenty to boost the team's lacking bench depth.

Unfortunately, the latter of the trio abruptly announcing his retirement during the preseason sunk the Knicks' point guard rotation. As a result, one Knicks reporter recently revealed that the franchise's front office tossed around the idea of filling their backup point guard spot with a recently-waived 11-year veteran.

"I would think that, at some point, if things are not going swimmingly, the Knicks would be aggressive in looking to the point guard market to try to acquire a backup," SNY's Ian Begley shared Tuesday afternoon.

"One name that came up recently because he was waived by Charlotte (Hornets) is Spencer Dinwiddie."

"I don't think there's a lot there at the moment...I don't think that Dinwiddie will be that answer for them ultimately, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on early in this season."

Though he may not be the Knicks' first choice of available free agents, Spencer Dinwiddie has proven to be a shot-ready, microwave scorer with underrated passing chops. 

Throughout his first 11 seasons, the 6-foot-5 combo-guard has compiled career averages of 13.0 points, 5.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds on a less than ideal 49.1% effective field goal percentage.

Still, his ability to get hot in a moment's notice could serve the Knicks well in Brunson's off-court minutes to keep the team afloat.

Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, New York could eventually gain interest in contacting the 32-year-old guard, especially if their bench unit gets off to a slow start.

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