Knicks Waive Bruce Brown to Keep James Wiseman in Shocking Move
The New York Knicks have waived Bruce Brown and decided to retain James Wiseman ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Here’s why Mike Brown favored the former No. 2 overall pick.
The New York Knicks have made a significant roster decision just days before the start of the 2026-27 NBA regular season, choosing to waive veteran guard-forward Bruce Brown and move forward with former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, New York has decided to part ways with Brown, a member of the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship team, allowing head coach Mike Brown to strengthen the team’s frontcourt rotation.
The move brings an end to Bruce Brown’s brief stint with the reigning NBA champions and represents an important opportunity for Wiseman, who is attempting to revive his career after several challenging seasons.
With the Knicks preparing to defend their championship, the organization has prioritized roster balance and positional depth over adding another experienced perimeter player.
The decision also highlights Mike Brown’s confidence in Wiseman, a player he knows from their time together with the Golden State Warriors.
Why the Knicks Chose James Wiseman Over Bruce Brown
New York entered training camp with difficult decisions to make regarding the final places on its roster.
Bruce Brown appeared to be an attractive option because of his championship experience, defensive versatility, and ability to contribute in multiple positions.
The 2023 NBA champion has established a reputation as a reliable role player capable of defending different opponents, handling the ball, and providing energy off the bench.
However, the Knicks already possess considerable depth on the perimeter.
Jalen Brunson leads the backcourt, while Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, and other rotation players provide Mike Brown with multiple options.
Adding another wing would have increased competition in an already crowded area of the roster.
The situation at center was different.
Following the departure of Mitchell Robinson and the absence of Ariel Hukporti from New York’s current roster, the Knicks needed another reliable option behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond.
Wiseman offered something Bruce Brown could not: additional size, rebounding potential, and a traditional interior presence.
At 7 feet tall, the former Golden State lottery pick provides a physical dimension that could prove valuable during a demanding 82-game regular season.
While Bruce Brown may have offered more established NBA experience, New York’s immediate positional needs ultimately favored Wiseman.
Mike Brown’s Connection With Wiseman Could Be a Major Factor
One of the most interesting aspects of the decision is the relationship between James Wiseman and Knicks head coach Mike Brown.
The two previously worked together during Wiseman’s early NBA career with the Golden State Warriors.
At the time, Brown served as a leading assistant on Steve Kerr’s coaching staff, giving him firsthand knowledge of Wiseman’s physical tools, development, and potential.
That familiarity may have helped the young center earn an opportunity in New York.
NBA insider Marc Stein previously reported that Mike Brown was an admirer of Wiseman’s abilities, particularly as the Knicks evaluated their need for another big man.
The connection does not mean Wiseman was guaranteed a roster spot.
He still needed to demonstrate during training camp and preseason that he could contribute to a championship-caliber team.
But having a coach who understands his strengths and developmental needs could prove beneficial.
Wiseman’s athleticism, size, and ability to finish around the rim offer New York a different option from its established centers.
Towns is one of the NBA’s most skilled offensive big men, capable of scoring from the perimeter and creating mismatches.
Drummond brings elite rebounding experience and a physical presence in the paint.
Wiseman, meanwhile, offers vertical athleticism and the potential to contribute as a rim-running center.
His role may be limited initially, but the Knicks clearly see value in having another traditional big man available.
James Wiseman’s Preseason Numbers Helped Secure His Knicks Future
Wiseman had an opportunity to showcase his abilities during New York’s preseason schedule.
Across four appearances, the former No. 2 overall draft pick averaged:
- 8.0 points per game
- 4.3 rebounds per game
- 11.5 minutes per game
Those numbers may not appear spectacular, but they become more encouraging when considered alongside his limited playing time.
Wiseman provided energy around the basket, competed for rebounds, and demonstrated the athleticism that once made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in basketball.
His performance against the Toronto Raptors was particularly encouraging.
With several established Knicks players resting, Wiseman recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds, offering a glimpse of what he could contribute when given extended minutes.
The performance highlighted his ability to finish inside and remain active on the glass.
However, the former lottery pick still faces important challenges.
Defensive positioning, consistency, and decision-making have been areas of concern throughout his NBA career.
New York will need Wiseman to embrace a clearly defined role rather than attempt to become a primary offensive option.
His responsibilities are likely to involve setting screens, protecting the paint, running the floor, and finishing opportunities created by the team’s playmakers.
For a player seeking stability, that simplified role could be exactly what he needs.
Bruce Brown’s Championship Experience Wasn’t Enough
Bruce Brown’s departure is notable because he possesses the type of playoff experience championship contenders often value.
During Denver’s 2023 championship run, Brown became an important contributor thanks to his defensive versatility, toughness, and willingness to accept different responsibilities.
His ability to perform without requiring a high volume of shots made him particularly useful alongside established stars.
Following that championship season, Brown experienced several changes of scenery.
He played for the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors during the 2023-24 campaign before spending time with Toronto and the New Orleans Pelicans the following season.
He then returned to Denver for the 2025-26 campaign, appearing in all 82 regular-season games.
That durability and experience made him an intriguing candidate for New York.
The Knicks signed Brown to an Exhibit 9 contract, allowing the organization to evaluate him during training camp.
Ultimately, however, the front office determined that another center would better address the team’s immediate needs.
Brown now becomes an unrestricted free agent, giving him the opportunity to pursue another NBA destination ahead of the new season.
His versatility and championship pedigree could make him an appealing option for a team seeking experienced perimeter depth.
For New York, the decision should not necessarily be interpreted as a negative evaluation of Brown’s abilities.
It was primarily a question of roster construction.
What Wiseman’s Arrival Means for Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond
The decision to retain Wiseman gives Mike Brown greater flexibility when managing his frontcourt rotation.
Karl-Anthony Towns remains a central figure in the Knicks’ offensive system.
His shooting, scoring versatility, and ability to stretch opposing defenses provide New York with an unusual advantage at the center position.
Andre Drummond offers a different profile.
The veteran is an established rebounder who can provide physicality, second-chance opportunities, and a traditional presence near the basket.
Wiseman adds another layer of depth.
His athleticism could allow the Knicks to use lineups that emphasize vertical spacing and finishing around the rim.
He could also help manage the workload of Towns and Drummond during stretches of the regular season.
That is particularly important for a team preparing for another deep postseason run.
The Knicks understand the physical demands of playing into June, and maintaining sufficient depth throughout the year will be essential.
Wiseman will not be expected to replace the production of New York’s established stars.
Instead, his value could come from providing dependable minutes when injuries, foul trouble, or scheduling demands require another center.
If he can establish himself as a reliable third big man, the decision to retain him could prove increasingly important as the season progresses.
Did the Knicks Make the Right Decision Before Opening Night?
Waiving Bruce Brown to retain James Wiseman represents a calculated decision by the Knicks.
Brown offered experience, versatility, and championship credibility.
Wiseman offers size, athleticism, and additional depth at a position where New York had fewer alternatives.
The front office ultimately chose to address its more immediate structural need.
For Wiseman, the opportunity could represent a turning point.
The former Golden State prospect has spent much of his career trying to meet the enormous expectations attached to his draft position.
In New York, he will not need to become a franchise cornerstone.
He simply needs to become a dependable role player.
That change in expectations could help him establish a more sustainable NBA career.
For Mike Brown, the challenge will be identifying situations where Wiseman can contribute without disrupting the team’s established chemistry.
The Knicks have a championship to defend, and every roster decision will be judged according to how it helps the organization compete at the highest level.
Bruce Brown’s departure may surprise some fans, especially given his experience on a title-winning team.
But New York’s decision sends a clear message.
The Knicks believe James Wiseman’s size and upside offer more value to their current roster than another veteran wing.
Whether that gamble pays off will become clearer once the 2026-27 NBA season begins.
