Everything the Knicks have done this summer has been with two eyes on next summer. All the decision-makers in the organization have been consistent with that message.
But that doesn't mean the Knicks' roster for next season is already locked in, despite the team having 16 players under contract already. GM Scott Perry insists that the team's options are always open.
"We always will keep our options open. But we're not going to sign someone for the sake of signing him," Perry said, via ESPN's Nick Friedell.
The Knicks don't have much maneuverability this offseason, which is why they sat out of the LeBron James sweepstakes, but have a $3.4 million biannual exception left if they are to make a minor move before the season starts.
The organization is hopeful to land a marquee free agent next summer when Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard and possibly Kevin Durant become available. Steve Mills admitted as much at the end of June.
"Our goal is to get our house in order. Develop the foundation," Mills told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. "And we are not going to be players [in free agency] this year. If we sign guys it's going to be for a one-year deal because we are going to have room for a max contract in the following year. We'll be able to make room for a max guy."
Next season, head coach David Fizdale will look to establish a culture in New York and continue the development of Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Emmanuel Mudiay while the team awaits Kristaps Porzingis' return. Then, hopefully in 2019, he'll have a new star to add to their young core.