The New York Knicks are two wins away from winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy, and much of the credit goes to Leon Rose, the team's president of basketball operations.
Rose constructed the Knicks, starting with Jalen Brunson, whom he signed to a four-year, $104 million contract as a free agent in 2022. It was an underrated signing since Brunson was an unproven bench player during his first four years with the Dallas Mavericks. The former Villanova guard emerged as a franchise star and has New York poised to win its first NBA championship since 1973.
Ahead of Game 3, Brunson spoke highly of the executive and how he constructed the roster.
"I think he's a great basketball mind," Brunson said on Sunday. "I also think he surrounds himself with good people. The way he's been able to do this, especially here with all the scrutiny people do to him and everything — I just think the way he goes about his business is as good as anyone.
"Always wanting to have the best possible outcome. That's just who he is."
Apart from Brunson, Rose has spearheaded other roster changes that have turned the Knicks into a powerhouse.
Positive Trades That Leon Rose Has Made for the Knicks
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Rose took a chance at the trade market over the past few seasons and has made major moves to improve the roster. One of the biggest was trading for Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2024. They let go of star forward Julius Randle and fan favorite Donte DiVincenzo.
The risk was worth it since Towns has helped the Knicks reach back-to-back conference finals. He's also a favorite to win the Finals MVP this year if New York finishes the job.
In addition, Rose orchestrated the trade with the Toronto Raptors to acquire OG Anunoby. Anunoby has been one of the most productive two-way players for the Knicks. In this postseason run, the one-time champion has averaged 19.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He is the team's second-leading scorer in these playoffs.
Rose also traded for Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, two of Brunson's former college teammates at Villanova. Hart has become a valued member of the team, doing a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor. Bridges, meanwhile, has been a two-way star.
