Top 10 Woj Bombs about the Knicks

Thanks, Woj. For a decade, we’ve relied on you for the biggest breaks.

Adrian Wojnarowski, widely recognized as the top news source in the NBA for the past decade, revealed on Wednesday that he is leaving his position at ESPN. Wojnarowski, often referred to as “Woj,” will no longer be the go-to person for breaking the latest NBA news. Instead, he will be taking on a new role as the general manager of St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball team.

Wojnarowski (no fan of former Knick JR Smith) was known for his “Woj Bombs”, tweets that broke major NBA news ahead of his peers in the media pool. In honor of his retirement from the front lines, here are 10 of his biggest Knicks bombs from the past decade.

1. Knicks sign Jalen Brunson as a free agent (June 2022)

The Knicks’ signing of Jalen Brunson in July 2022 transformed the franchise, and Woj was one of the first to break the good news. Brunson filled a long-standing gap at point guard, exceeding expectations with a four-year, $104 million contract that became one of the league’s best bargains. His strong playoff performances and leadership has helped the Knicks achieve deep playoff runs and significant improvement in team success. Brunson’s work ethic and commitment, including agreeing to a team-friendly extension in 2024, have had a positive cultural impact. At 27, he is the primary cornerstone for the team’s future and has validated the Knicks’ new team-building approach.

2. New York trades Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks (January 2019)

The Kristaps Porzingis trade to the Dallas Mavericks on January 31, 2019, was a pivotal moment for the Knicks. It provided the team with financial flexibility by clearing significant salary cap space and acquiring two future first-round picks. The trade also allowed the Knicks to reset their roster, move on from an unhappy player, and avoid potential drama. Shifting their focus to long-term planning marked a cultural shift for the team, leading to key moves like signing Julius Randle and setting the stage for future success.

3. New York signs Julius Randle as a free agent (July 2019)

Speaking of Julius . . . the Knicks’ signing of Randle in July 2019 was a pivotal move for the franchise. Initially considered a backup plan after whiffing on top free agents, Randle’s 3-year, $63 million deal became a bargain as he developed into an All-Star and team leader. His strong performance helped end the Knicks’ 7-year playoff drought and made the team more attractive to other free agents. Randle’s presence marked a shift in the Knicks’ approach to smart team-building and talent development, culminating in a contract extension in 2021 and providing long-term stability for the franchise.

4. New York hires Leon Rose as team president (February 2020)….

Whether you call him the Godfather, the Grand Poohba, or King Leon, the return to glory at Madison Square Garden began with this Woj Bomb announcing the hiring of Leon Rose. The club’s record since his hiring in March of 2020 is 175-143, and they have reached the playoffs three out of the four years. For all the well-deserved grief we have given James Dolan over the years, we owe him a standing ovation for this move.

5. … and then Leon hires Tom Thibodeau (July 2020)

We can’t discuss Leon Rose without talking about head coach Tom Thibodeau. One of Leon’s first moves as team president was to hire Thibs as the Knicks’ skipper. The choice has transformed the franchise. The veteran coach brought a culture of hard work and defensive intensity, leading two Eastern Conference semifinal runs. Thibodeau has improved player development–especially Julius Randle–and turned the Knicks into a defensive powerhouse. His leadership has attracted talent, provided stability, and aligned with a long-term vision for sustainable success, making the Knicks a contender in the Eastern Conference. Or, perhaps you preferred David Fizdale?

6. New York acquires Derrick Rose, the first time (June 2016)

Oh, this bomb sent many hearts a-flutter in NYC. The Knicks’ 2016 trade for Derrick Rose, a former MVP, brought excitement for a franchise turnaround. Paired with former teammate Joakim Noah, the move was a gamble on Rose’s health, as he was coming off multiple injuries. Despite averaging 18 points per game, the Knicks missed the playoffs, finishing 31-51. Off-court issues and inefficient play hurt his impact, and Rose left after one season. He would return and redeem himself in 2020, but the initial trade will be remembered as another failed attempt to chase big names in the Big Apple.

7. Knicks trade Barrett and Quickley for OG Anunoby (December 2023)

I’ll always remember where I was when this Woj Bomb dropped: the Endicott Visitors’ Center in balmy Endicott, NY. I made a very idecorous noise in that quaint museum. . . . While it was sad to see RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley sent to Toronto, the Knicks’ trade for OG Anunoby in December 2023 was a game-changer. Anunoby immediately elevated the team’s performance, with the Knicks going 20-3 in games he played. His elite defense transformed the Knicks into the NBA’s best defensive team, while his offensive versatility added valuable spacing. Acquired without giving up first-round picks, Anunoby fits perfectly with the team culture and boosts their playoff potential.

8. Carmelo Anthony is traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder (September 2017)

This Woj Bomb was a gut punch for some (looking at you, Antonio Losada). The trade of Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder in September 2017 marked the end of an era. The Knicks received Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a 2018 second-round pick, later used to draft Mitchell Robinson. The move provided salary cap relief and reflected a cultural shift away from star-chasing toward player development. While bittersweet for fans, it was a key step for the Knicks to move forward into the future we’re experiencing today. Far out.

9. New York swaps Cam Reddish for Josh Hart (February 2023)

This is the Woj Bomb that freed us from the irrational clutches of the Cam Hive. It also signaled a prosperous reunion of Jalen Brunson with his number one bro, his college roommate, and an NCAA Title winning teammate. The Knicks’ trade for Josh Hart in February 2023 had an immediate impact, with the team rattling off a 20-3 record in his first 23 games. His versatile, hard-nosed play perfectly fits with the team’s culture, and his performance in last season’s playoffs was legendary.

10. New York takes a chance on Kemba Walker’s knees (August 2021)

The Knicks’ signing of Kemba Walker in 2021 initially seemed promising, but we’d be lying if we weren’t already worried about the knees. . . . The Bronx native brought All-Star experience and filled a need at point guard (remember Elfrid Payton?). The low-risk, $8 million per year deal raised hopes for offensive improvement and veteran leadership. However, those wonky knees limited Walker’s effectiveness, leading to his lowest scoring average since his rookie year and inconsistent play. By February 2022, he was shut down for the season and later traded.

11. Knicks fire Fizdale! (December 2019)

When David Fizdale was fired as the Knicks coach in 2019, Woj initially jumped to Fiz’s defense–and then thought better of it. Fizdale was let go just 22 games into his second season, with the team holding a 4-18 record, one of the worst starts in franchise history. Sure, the move highlighted the Knicks’ organizational dysfunction, coaching turnover, and disconnect between the staff and front office. Let’s be clear: Fizdale was often clueless. A high-profile hire, he failed to develop young talent, despite promises to get them “right.”. His dismissal was a last nail in the coffin and set the stage for a thorough reset. Woj was smart to delete.

Over the past decade, Posting and Toasting has certainly benefited and made much hay from Woj’s tireless work. We wish you the best of luck at St. Bonaventure, Adrian.

Go Knicks!