Jalen Brunson is day-to-day with a left wrist and arm issue and targeting an October 1 return, a date that lines up with the start of training camp. New York keeps adding pieces around him, with a reported Exhibit 10 deal for Igor Milicic Jr. and extension talk still unresolved for a key reserve.
Wrist Watch
Jalen Brunson is listed day-to-day with a left wrist and arm issue, with an estimated return of October 1. Mohamed Diawara carries the same target date for a finger and arm issue. Neither is a long absence on paper, but Brunson's is the one that matters, and the date points straight at the start of camp.
The Calendar
Preseason opens October 5 on the road against the 76ers, then home dates against the Wizards on October 8 and the Timberwolves on October 12, before a trip to Toronto on October 13. The regular season opener is set for October 20 against Philadelphia, on NBC and Peacock. Every one of those dates now doubles as a checkpoint on Brunson's wrist.
Last Season's Number
Last season, New York's starting five logged 34.9 minutes a game over its final five games, more than the group's season average, and the record over that stretch showed it. Brunson closed with three straight 30-point games, averaging 37.7 across them. Those are last season's numbers, not this year's, but they're the standard camp will be measured against.
Moving Pieces
Hoops Rumors' Karol Wasiek reported the Knicks have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with forward Igor Milicic Jr., a camp-body addition rather than a rotation lock. Posting and Toasting reported the front office still faces a decision on Miles McBride's next contract, with talks ongoing. Nothing there is finished business yet.
Bottom Line
New York's payroll sits at $217.9 million, above the $200.4 million luxury tax line, with Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Brunson and Mikal Bridges carrying the four biggest numbers on the books. The core that won it all is intact heading into camp. The question this month is simple: does it stay healthy long enough to find out if it can do it again.
Is Jalen Brunson injured right now?
He is listed day-to-day with a left wrist and arm issue, with an estimated return date of October 1.
When do the Knicks play their first game of the season?
Preseason opens October 5 at the 76ers, and the regular season opener is October 20 at home against Philadelphia on NBC and Peacock.
