After pulling off a blockbuster deal with the Raptors to land OG Anunoby over the weekend, many insiders around the NBA believe that the Knicks could still swing another big trade.
The deal sent two of NY’s biggest assets – RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors and also included Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn, but they still have the pieces to make a significant deal, Ian Begley of Sports New York reports.
“Some fans/media (myself included) suggested after the trade that the Knicks no longer had the trade capital to swing a big deal,” Begley wrote.
“Some in the organization disagree with that idea. They feel like they have enough left to land a top player.
“New York has eight tradable first-round picks, including four of its own. The four picks from other teams are protected. Some have significant protections.
“As far as players, Evan Fournier (expiring $18 million deal), Randle, Quentin Grimes, Donte DiVincenzo, Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein are all trade-eligible. Josh Hart and Miles McBride cannot be traded prior to the 2024 deadline.”
The scenario of another big trade for the Knicks is certainly an interesting one to consider as the team is 18-15 and their current rotation just isn’t yielding results.
They are in eighth place, and would get the second spot in the East’s Play-In Tournament and a half-game behind Cleveland for the sixth and final automatic spot.
The injection of Anunoby into the lineup was immediate and impactful, as he made his debut on Monday.
The forward recorded 17 points, six rebounds and a steal in 35 minutes during New York’s 112-106 victory over West-leading Minnesota.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania on Tuesday reported noted that the Knicks will always have interest in Karl-Anthony Towns.
But the Timberwolves will need to be willing to trade him of course, which isn’t likely considering their current position.
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