The New York Knicks hit the ground running early in the NBA offseason.

Leon Rose made it a point to solidify the lineup in New York in hopes of competing in the Eastern Conference. The question is, did the Knicks close the gap with the Boston Celtics?

New York made a splash last week when it agreed to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. This completed the four-some from Villanova along with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. Shortly after, the Knicks came to terms with OG Anunoby on a five-year, $212.5-million extension. This gives the Knicks two of the best three-and-D players in the league in hopes of competing with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the perimeter in Boston.

Ultimately, there was no room for Isaiah Hartenstein. The Knicks made an offer to the big man but he left for a three-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is a big loss for New York, who will now rely on injury-riddled Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims. Of course, there is still time to add a backup center for cheap in free agency.

The Knicks were hit hard with injuries and this led to blowing a 2-0 led in the conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers last season. Brunson turned into a superstar while Hart and DiVincenzo proved to be the perfect role players for this team. Now, Bridges comes into the mix while Anunoby and Julius Randle will be back. New York has incredible depth across the board, especially on the perimeter, and the front office is hoping this can help close the gap with the reigning champions.

The Celtics locked up Tatum with a super-max extension shortly after adding another championship to the storied history of the franchise. Boston was the best team in the league this season from the early weeks and remained healthy enough to win it all. Teams in the Eastern Conference have been working to improve, including Philadelphia who added Paul George.

The Knicks are one of the five favorites to win the NBA Championship last season and it is because of the trade for Bridges and new contract for Anunoby. This is a team that showed their identity on both sides of the ball last season. Bridges fits the bill to a tee and has chemistry with his college teammates. The battle on the perimeter will be one of the watch and NBA fans can hope for an Eastern Conference Finals between Boston and New York next season.