The Knicks got better this offseason. But so did the rest of the Eastern Conference.

Dejounte Murray joined the Hawks. The Cavaliers landed longtime Knicks target Donovan Mitchell. The Nets kept their stars. The Bucks figure to be much healthier this season. The Celtics improved with incremental moves.

So, yes, the Knicks are improved, but that doesn’t mean a direct return to the playoffs — with a top-six finish in the conference — is a lock. A spot in the play-in tournament — which includes the Nos. 7-10 teams — feels much more likely.

After going 37-45 last season, a return to finishing above .500 feels realistic. Having a reliable point guard such as Jalen Brunson should elevate others around him, and less pressure on Julius Randle to be a scorer and playmaker could lead to a more efficient season from the southpaw.