Knicks Considered a Top Contender in NBA

NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes the New York Knicks are in their best position in 30 years to win a championship.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:39pm

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The New York Knicks have been on a dominant run, winning 8 games in a row and posting the best point differential in a 7-game stretch in franchise history. NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes the Knicks are as strong as any team in the NBA and have the best chance to win a championship in the last 30 years. The Knicks made several trades at the deadline to bolster their roster, including acquiring Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans, which addresses a key need in their rotation.

Why it matters

The Knicks have been one of the most disappointing franchises in the NBA for decades, but they appear to have turned a corner this season. If they can sustain their high level of play and make a deep playoff run, it would be a major turnaround for the organization and could help them attract top free agents in the future.

The details

The Knicks picked up an impressive double-overtime win over the Denver Nuggets, despite being without key players Josh Hart and Miles McBride. During their 8-game winning streak, the Knicks have posted a +173 point differential, the best in a 7-game stretch in franchise history. To bolster their roster ahead of the trade deadline, the Knicks traded Guerschon Yabusele to the Bulls and then flipped the acquired player, Dalen Terry, to the Pelicans in exchange for Jose Alvarado, a feisty defender who can also knock down 3-pointers. The trades saved the Knicks over $1 million in salary, giving them flexibility to potentially add a veteran on the buyout market.

  • The Knicks picked up their most impressive win of the season on February 7, 2026, beating the Denver Nuggets in double overtime.
  • The Knicks have been on an 8-game winning streak, the longest of their season.

The players

Josh Hart

A key player for the Knicks who was out for the win over the Nuggets.

Miles McBride

Another important Knicks player who was sidelined, and is now facing core muscle surgery that could keep him out for the rest of the season.

Guerschon Yabusele

A veteran forward the Knicks traded to the Bulls as part of their deadline moves.

Dalen Terry

A first-round pick the Knicks acquired from the Bulls and then flipped to the Pelicans in exchange for Jose Alvarado.

Jose Alvarado

A feisty defender and 3-point shooter the Knicks acquired from the Pelicans, addressing a key need in their rotation.

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What they’re saying

“The Knicks are as strong and as good a position as they have been in the last 30 years to win it...it's open, but the Knicks are as strong as any of them.”

— Brian Windhorst, NBA Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Knicks will look to continue their strong play and make a deep playoff run, which would be a major turnaround for the franchise. They also have flexibility to potentially add a veteran on the buyout market to bolster their roster further.

The takeaway

The Knicks' impressive play and shrewd moves at the trade deadline have them positioned as a legitimate championship contender, a rare position for the franchise in the last three decades. If they can sustain this level of performance, it could signal a new era of success for the Knicks and help them attract top talent in the future.