Knicks and Nets 2026‑27 Training Camp: Roster Battles & Key Storylines

The 2026‑27 training camps for the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are set to feature intense roster battles, contract negotiations, and the development of key newcomers. While the Knicks focus on securing a reliable center and managing cap space, the Nets aim to build around Julius Randle and Mi…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 27 Sep 2026 07:36:21 GMT

The 2026‑27 NBA season is just weeks away, and the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets have already begun shaping their rosters in training camp. Both franchises are navigating a mix of veteran contracts, cap‑space constraints, and promising newcomers that could determine their fortunes in the coming season.

Knicks: A Battle for the Center and Cap‑Space Management

The Knicks have signed five established NBA players—Bruce Brown, John Konchar, James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks, and Ochai Agbaji—on non‑guaranteed deals. With the team’s primary need at center, Wiseman and Eubanks are the most likely candidates to earn a spot, but the camp will also test whether Konchar or Brown can impress enough to prompt a trade that would free up cap space. A potential move could involve sending Pacôme Dadiet elsewhere, allowing the Knicks to keep a player without exceeding the second cap apron.

Contract negotiations are also a focal point. Miles McBride, Karl‑Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart have all been eligible for extensions, yet no agreements have been reached. Towns is reportedly being asked to accept a discount far below his $276 million max, while Hart’s team option for the 2027‑28 season keeps him in New York for now. McBride, who will become a free agent after the season if no extension is signed, faces the most urgent need for a deal, but his contract offers no option for the Knicks to retain him.

Roster depth has been further shaken by the departure of Mitchell Robinson, who left as a cap casualty after the team chose not to exceed the second apron. Robinson’s exit leaves a void in rebounding and rim protection that the Knicks will need to address, either through the new signings or by developing existing players.

Nets: Building Around Randle and Porter Jr.

Brooklyn’s camp is centered on solidifying a starting lineup that already includes Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. The Nets are evaluating how best to integrate the veteran duo while also developing younger talent. Porter Jr., whose $40.8 million contract is expiring, remains a key question for the front office. His agent has indicated that discussions with GM Sean Marks are pending, leaving the team uncertain whether to extend, trade, or let him walk.

The Nets are also looking at their forward room, where a fight between Noah Clowney, Josh Minott, Danny Wolf, and Joshua Jefferson promises to be a highlight. With the team last season ranked low in offensive rating, coach Jordi Fernández faces the challenge of crafting an attack that leverages Porter Jr.’s playmaking and Randle’s inside presence.

Emerging Talent: Rookies and Newcomers

Both camps feature promising newcomers who could shape the teams’ futures. The Knicks’ Tyler Nickel, a second‑round pick, is expected to spend time in the G‑League after a solid Summer League showing. Meanwhile, Andre Drummond is the only rotational newcomer on the Knicks’ roster, offering a front‑court presence that could complement the existing core.

The Nets boast Mikel Brown Jr., the highest‑drafted player in the franchise’s 16‑year history. Brown’s combination of passing, deep range, and athleticism makes him a potential cornerstone, but the coaching staff will need to guide him in gaining weight, reducing risk-taking, and learning the team’s system.

Injury Concerns and Player Health

Health will play a critical role for both teams. The Knicks are monitoring Miles McBride’s recovery from a sports hernia surgery, hoping he returns fully healthy for a potential contract year. The Nets are keeping a close eye on Egor Dëmin, whose plantar fasciitis surgery could become chronic, especially given his status as a lottery pick.

What Happens Next?

As training camp progresses, both franchises will continue to evaluate player performance, negotiate contracts, and make roster decisions that could set the tone for the 2026‑27 season. The Knicks must decide whether to keep a center and manage cap space, while the Nets will determine how to balance veteran leadership with developing talent. Fans can expect to see which players earn spots on the opening night roster and how the teams address key gaps left by departing players.

Key facts

Knicks sign five players on non‑guaranteed deals, focusing on the center position
Knicks face contract uncertainty with McBride, Towns, and Hart
Nets evaluate extending or trading Michael Porter Jr.
Julius Randle remains the Nets’ cornerstone amid offensive struggles
Emerging talents like Mikel Brown Jr. and Andre Drummond could shape future rosters
Health concerns for McBride and Dëmin may impact roster spots
Both teams must balance veteran experience with young development

Why it matters

The 2026‑27 training camps reveal how the Knicks and Nets are preparing to compete in a highly competitive NBA landscape, with roster decisions and contract negotiations that could influence their success for years to come.