Jalen Brunson's Knicks Teammate Sends Clear Message Over Back to Back Title Ambition

The 2025-26 season ended with the New York Knicks on top of the world. A 53-year title drought ended, and the city erupted into celebration, giving many of its fans an experience they had never had in their lifetime. But with the dust from the parade beginning to settle, the focus shifts to the 2026-27 season and whether the Knicks can go back to back. Jalen Brunson's New York Knicks teammate Miles McBride, for his part, has a clear goal in mind.

McBride was recently featured on the YouTube channel NBA Take Two, where he shared that his goal is to help the Knicks win their fourth-ever NBA championship next summer.

"My only offseason goal, do whatever I got to do to win another (NBA title)," McBride said. "Now I know how hard it is. Now I know what it takes, the focus, the discipline."

McBride was not one of the protagonists of the title win, for sure. Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart were among the more regular features for the Knicks. But McBride played a vital role off the bench, helping space the floor for New York. He averaged 12 ppg in the regular season and shot 41% from deep. In the post-season, too, he played in every single game, averaging 5.6 ppg and 1.2 apg in 17.6 mpg. His most notable performance included a 25-point explosion against the 76ers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, which the Knicks won in as many games.

Perhaps, performance-wise, McBride can play a similar or even bigger role next season. And it's good that he's motivated to give 100% as he looks to celebrate wildly again. But it won't be easy, with changes in the conference starting with the Knicks losing two key players.

New York won't be able to pick up Mitchell Robinson and Landy Shamet during free agency. This is because of the league's second apron rule. The Knicks are currently paying 11 players a total of $211 million, giving them no extra room to re-sign Robinson and Shamet.

Robinson and Shamet are reportedly expecting higher salaries next season. Robinson's projected salary is $15 million per year, while Shamet's is $8 million per year. That's above what the Knicks can currently afford.

Then there's the Eastern Conference shake-up. Giannis Antetokounmpo was recently traded to the Miami Heat, forming a big three with Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins. Miami is once again a team to watch out for in the East.

There are also rumors of LeBron James potentially going back to the Cleveland Cavaliers or possibly forming a superteam with Antetokounmpo and the Heat. If either of those scenarios happens, the Knicks might have a more difficult time defending their title next season.

Kevin Durant Doesn't See the Knicks Going Back-to-Back

While there's no denying the incredible feat the New York Knicks have accomplished, beating the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals, it seems like Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant isn't fully convinced that they can go back-to-back next season.

In a recent interview with Durant, he made strong comments regarding the Knicks' championship victory. While he's happy to see New York win again, he can't say for sure how long they can enjoy the high they're feeling at the moment.

"I'll tell (Jalen Brunson) to strike the iron while it's hot," Durant said. "This is a time I don't think New Yorkers or the Knicks will get back. … You don't know if this will come around. It’s been 53 years. It could be another 53-year wait."

While KD's comments might raise some eyebrows, he still praised Jalen Brunson for a job well done, leading the Knicks to success.

"I would say take all the opportunities … I think Jalen has done such a great job of being him every single day stepping up," Durant continued. "His identity is just about grinding from the bottom. … Right now it's an important time for him and the Knicks."

For now, all we can do is wait and see how things turn out next season. With a plethora of teams shaking up their rosters this offseason, we can't say for sure if the Knicks will go through the same experience they did last season.