What happened: Begley reports Brown impressed team staff during training camp and preseason play. New York has one roster opening while needing to carry a third center. Retaining Brown would require a trade to create the needed space.

Why it matters: Final roster construction forces New York to balance backcourt depth against center depth entering the 2026-27 season. Brown's preseason defensive work factors into that choice as camp decisions narrow.

What to watch: New York faces a roster trade decision before final cuts lock the group.