Knicks 2026-27 training camp breakdown: Roster battles, newcomers and storylines to watch

The Post’s Stefan Bondy breaks down the Knicks’ top storylines heading into training camp.

Best battle

The starting lineup is set and the bench rotation feels settled enough. But there’s at least one roster spot up for grabs. The Knicks signed five established NBAers on nonguaranteed deals — Bruce Brown, John Konchar, James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks, Ochai Agbaji — and are letting them battle it out in camp. It’s similar to last season’s fight between Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon and Garrison Mathews. 

Assuming there’s no cap-clearing trade before the start of the season, the Knicks only have room to keep one player and stay under the second apron. Since their position of need is center, Wiseman and Eubanks have the inside track. But Konchar or Brown could impress enough to compel Leon Rose into a cap-clearing trade, most logically by shipping Pacôme Dadiet elsewhere. 

Story to watch develop

There are three contract situations percolating. Miles McBride, Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart have been eligible for extensions for months but still haven’t signed. We’ve already heard Towns is unlikely to reach a deal before the season starts. According to sources, he’s being asked to take a discount well below his $276 million max. Hart isn’t leaving New York, but he also has a team option in his current contract for 2027-28. So the Knicks aren’t pressed to make a deal until it makes sense for both sides. McBride is a long shot to sign even though he’s the most urgent.

Unlike Towns and Hart, there are no options in McBride’s contract, so he’ll become a free agent after the season with no extension. 

Coach’s toughest challenge

Keeping winners motivated. Mike Brown has to help the Knicks steer clear of complacency after capturing the title, and he has experience as the associate head coach of the back-to-back Warriors of 2017 and 2018. The chip can’t be removed from the shoulders. 

Most intriguing rookie

Not much is expected of the second rounder Tyler Nickel, and he’s most likely bound for the G-League, but his encouraging Summer League brought hope of real NBA potential as a 6-foot-7 3-point specialist. 

Most intriguing newcomer

Andre Drummond is actually the only rotational newcomer, representing an important piece as one of only two natural frontcourt players under contract. The Knicks need a productive Drummond, who has gained better shooting over the years but lost a lot of his mobility. 

Most notable absence

Mitchell Robinson became a cap casualty because owner James Dolan didn’t want to spend into the second apron, sending the former longest-tenured Knick to Boston in free agency. Nobody on the roster can replicate Robinson’s rebounding and rim protection. But the Knicks can also worry a little less about injuries and free throws. 

Biggest comeback

Miles McBride was tremendous last season before undergoing a sports hernia surgery, then rushed back and wasn’t the same in the playoffs. It bothered him. Now he’s entering camp fully healthy for very possibly a contract year. McBride also has to re-establish himself as the top guard off the bench after Shamet’s emergence in the playoffs. 

Don’t be surprised if…

The Knicks starters don’t play much in the preseason. They’re a veteran bunch, and maybe rust is an issue after three months off, but chemistry is certainly not a problem. The starters know their role, they know their strengths, and preseason minutes aren’t going to change that.