There are lines through the Knicks to the 2024 NBA Finals. Some are straightforward, others zigzag.

But if you look at the Celtics and the Mavericks — who face off in Game 1 on Thursday — the roster constructions wouldn’t be possible without moves involving James Dolan’s squad.

Let me explain with four storylines that provide Knicks fans some connection to the NBA Finals, even if it won’t make you feel better about watching it.

For the Mavericks, it was $750,000 well spent and possibly revenge for the Jalen Brunson tampering.