New York Knicks Have Good Chance to Repeat as NBA Champions
The last time an NBA team repeated as world champions was in 2017-18, when the Golden State Warriors dynasty won the chip in back-to-back seasons.
Since then, the NBA has seen eight different teams win the title, with the New York Knicks becoming the latest champion when they beat the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the 2025-26 NBA Finals.
But while it's been nearly a decade since it last happened, the Knicks have a good chance to break that streak and become repeat champions next season, bucking the trend of one-off winners in the NBA.
Knicks Entire Starting Lineup Returns for Next Season
One of the reasons why teams are unable to repeat as champions in the NBA is that their lineup changes the next season.
The Knicks, however, do not have that problem, as all five players in their starting lineup -- Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart -- are all under contract for next season.
Related: Mike Brown Explains What Makes Jalen Brunson So Special
These were the same five players that helped the Knicks win the chip this year, so barring injuries to any of these men next season, the Knicks will have all five of them in their starting lineup as they look to repeat as NBA Champions next season.
The team also has key bench players in Miles McBride and Jose Alvarado under contract for next season, as well.
The only truly important players for the Knicks who are not under contract for next season are backup center Mitchell Robinson and bench guards Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson.
The Knicks would love to bring back Robinson, but he may get some big offers on the open market, including teams that could offer him the starting center job. But the Knicks have full Bird Rights for Robinson, so if Knicks owner James Dolan is okay with spending deep into the luxury tax, then the Knicks can bring him back.
As for Shamet and Clarkson, both players are solid bench shooters for the Knicks. Clarkson likely won't command more than the veteran's minimum, so if New York wants him back, he'll be back. Shamet, though, might get some decent offers in free agency, so he could be a tougher decision for New York, though the team ideally would like him back.
There are a few other deep bench players the Knicks have as upcoming free agents, but no one who is crucial to their success, so expect the end of the team's bench to look slightly different next year.
But all five starters and their key reserves will be back, giving the Knicks a good chance to defend as NBA Champions.
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Ring Chasers Could Join the Knicks
Another reason the Knicks have a good chance to repeat as NBA Champions is that "ring chasers" -- older NBA players who are looking to win a ring near the end of their careers -- could look to join New York next season on cheap contracts.
That allows the Knicks to fill out the rest of their roster with experienced players who could provide valuable minutes. Players like Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are the types of players that could have mutual interest in joining the Knicks.
So while they might lose Robinson and Shamet, they'll be able to find suitable replacements. And again, they have all their starters coming back.
Repeating as champions in the NBA isn't easy, since teams are always trying to get better during the offseason.
Next year, look for the Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets to once again be top teams in the Western Conference, while in the Eastern Conference, clubs like the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers are all expected to contend for the NBA Championship.
But the Knicks are right there with all of them. They are the best team in the NBA right now, and on paper, they have the potential to be the best team in the league again next year.
It's not easy to repeat as NBA Champions, but if any team is going to do it, it's the Knicks.
Related: Three Reasons Why Knicks-Spurs Could Still Be An NBA Finals Classic
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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 7:33 AM.