The New York Knicks were deeply saddened on Thursday after it was announced that former forward Michael Sweetney had passed away.

He was 43 years old.

The cause of death has not been disclosed. Sweetney died at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. His wife, India Murray-Sweetney, shared the unfortunate news on Facebook.

“To know Mike Sweetney was to love him. No one loved him more, and he loved no one more than his family. His children were the light of his life, and he lived every day to give them the best life possible. He's been my best friend for 30 years and my husband for almost 20. I'm not sure what we or I will do without him,” wrote Murray-Sweetney.

The Knicks shared a heartfelt message following Sweetney's passing.

“The Knicks are saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Sweetney,” read the post.

“Michael was an incredible person who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family.”

The Knicks are saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Sweetney.

Michael was an incredible person who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/T071Ie4SnL

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) September 17, 2026

After a standout career at Georgetown, the Knicks drafted Sweetney with the No. 9 pick in 2003. He only lasted two seasons with the Knicks. He was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2005, along with Tim Thomas and Jermaine Jackson, for Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis.

He was out of the NBA in 2007, compiling averages of 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 73 games.

Afterward, Sweetney had a long career in foreign leagues, including in China, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay. He also competed in the BIG3. He retired in 2017.

Sweetney battled weight problems throughout his playing career. He also dealt with serious depression.

He was an assistant coach at Yeshiva University from 2019 to 2023.