7 Under The Radar Trade Ideas For The New York Knicks

Knicks receive: Daniel Gafford

Mavericks receive: Mitchell Robinson, 2025 First-Round Pick (via WAS)

The Knicks are sitting at 14-9 and holding down fourth place in the East, but let’s be real—they’ve got some issues to sort out if they want to hang with teams like the Celtics and Cavs. Sure, they made big moves by landing Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, but injuries are hitting their big man rotation hard. Mitchell Robinson is out with an ankle injury, and Towns has been dealing with a nagging knee problem. It’s left them scrambling for help in the paint.

Enter Daniel Gafford. The guy’s been solid for the Mavericks this season, averaging 12.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting an impressive 73% from the field. He’s a rim protector who knows his role and stays consistent. Plus, unlike Robinson, he’s managed to stay healthy. Adding Gafford would give the Knicks some much-needed stability down low, allowing Towns to focus more on scoring without having to worry about anchoring the defense.

For the Mavericks, this deal makes sense too. Dereck Lively II has locked up the starting center spot, and Gafford’s role has shrunk. Flipping him for Robinson gives them another defensive big while also snagging a 2025 first-round pick via Washington. It’s a win-win, especially with Dallas currently third in the West and relying heavily on Luka Doncic to keep them competitive.

This isn’t a flashy move, but it’s exactly the kind of low-key trade that could make a big impact for the Knicks. Gafford would shore up their frontcourt and give them a better chance of keeping pace with the heavyweights in the East. Smart, simple, and effective.

Clint Capela Is The Perfect Paint Protector

Knicks receive: Clint Capela

Hawks receive: Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa, Matt Ryan

Clint Capela is one of the most underrated big men in the league, and this season, he’s been quietly doing what he does best: controlling the paint. He’s averaging 10.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and over a block per game while shooting an efficient 58.2% from the field. He’s not flashy, but he’s the type of guy who shows up every night, cleans the glass, and locks down the rim. With his contract expiring this year, the Hawks might be looking to move him while they can still get value.

The Hawks are sitting at 13-12, seventh in the East, and while they’ve been competitive, they’re clearly leaning toward developing their younger core. Onyeka Okongwu has been stepping up as the center of the future, making Capela’s role a little redundant as an expiring $22 million contract. By trading him for Mitchell Robinson, who provides elite rim protection when healthy, Precious Achiuwa, a high-energy bench option, and Matt Ryan, a movement shooter, the Hawks can mix immediate impact with long-term upside.

For the Knicks, Capela fits like a glove. With Mitchell Robinson struggling to stay healthy and Precious Achiuwa being inconsistent, they need a reliable big man who can rebound, defend, and provide a steady presence in the paint. Capela isn’t the kind of player who’s going to score 20 a night, but he doesn’t need to be. His role is to anchor the defense and clean up the boards, something he’s proven he can do at an elite level.

This trade is a win-win for both teams. The Hawks get younger while adding solid depth, and the Knicks get a durable, experienced big man who can help them stay in the mix at the top of the East. Sometimes, it’s the simple, under-the-radar moves that make all the difference.

Jordan Clarkson Brings Buckets To New York

Knicks receive: Jordan Clarkson

Jazz receive: Mitchell Robinson, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via BOS or MEM), 2026 Second-Round Pick (via BOS or WAS swap rights)

Jordan Clarkson has been doing his thing this season, averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over 13 games. The guy is still a microwave scorer who can light it up in a hurry, whether as a starter or off the bench. For a Jazz team sitting at 5-18 and clearly heading toward a rebuild, Clarkson is a prime trade candidate. Utah’s looking to prioritize its younger pieces and future picks, and moving Clarkson would align perfectly with that plan.

For the Knicks, adding Clarkson would be a no-brainer. Their bench has struggled to provide consistent offense outside of Deuce McBride. Clarkson instantly solves that problem. He can come in, create his own shot, and give the second unit a scoring punch that they’ve been missing. His ability to handle the ball also takes some pressure off the starters, giving the Knicks more options late in games when rotations tighten up.

On the Jazz’s side, bringing in Mitchell Robinson would address their defensive issues if a Walker Kessler trade materializes in the future. Robinson has been one of the league’s best rim protectors when healthy, and his shot-blocking presence would complement Utah’s younger core. The two second-round picks sweeten the deal, giving the Jazz more flexibility to build for the future. It’s a trade that allows them to move off Clarkson’s contract while staying competitive in their rebuild.

This deal makes sense for both teams. The Knicks get a legit sixth man who can score in bunches, while the Jazz add a defensive anchor and a couple of draft picks to their stockpile. Clarkson might not be a superstar, but he’s exactly the kind of player who can help New York keep their momentum rolling in a stacked Eastern Conference. Sometimes it’s the smaller moves that make the biggest difference, and this one could be a win for everyone involved.

Collin Sexton May Be A More Reliable Option

Knicks receive: Collin Sexton

Jazz receive: Mitchell Robinson, Cameron Payne, Tyler Kolek, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via BOS or MEM), 2026 Second-Round Pick (via BOS or WAS swap rights)

If Clarkson’s inefficiency this year doesn’t excite you, then Collin Sexton might just be the Knicks’ answer. Sexton has been having a quietly strong season, averaging 16.9 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 48.0% from the field and 43.2% from deep. What sets Sexton apart isn’t just his scoring efficiency—it’s the fire he plays with. He’s got that bulldog mentality on the court: fearless on drives, relentless on defense, and always in attack mode. For a team like the Knicks, who thrive on grit and effort, Sexton could be the perfect spark to elevate their guard rotation.

What makes Sexton a particularly interesting fit is his versatility. He can slot into multiple backcourt roles, whether it’s playing off the ball as a shooter or handling primary playmaking duties in spurts. Plus, his defensive energy would complement the Knicks’ need for more intensity on the perimeter, especially when facing elite guards in the East or deep teams in the backcourt rotation, like the Celtics with Payton Pritchard or Ty Jerome’s resurgence in the Cavs’ second unit.

This trade isn’t just about Robinson or picks for the rebuilding Jazz—it’s about getting even more assets into the mix. Payne will hit free agency and would mainly serve as a mentor for younger guards in the roster, but Tyler Kolek, though still unproven, has shown flashes of potential as a playmaker and could be a sneaky-good developmental project for a team that’s embracing its rebuild.

The best part about this trade for the Knicks? They’re addressing multiple concerns in one move. Sexton not only gives them a better shot creator and efficient scorer off the bench but also someone who can match the physicality and intensity of playoff basketball. For the Jazz, this deal adds depth across multiple positions while keeping an eye on the future with two valuable second-round picks. It’s not flashy, but if the Knicks want reliability and firepower in their backcourt, Sexton might just be their guy.

The Dream Sixth Man In Coby White

Knicks receive: Coby White

Bulls receive: Miles McBride, Precious Achiuwa, Jericho Sims, 2025 First-Round Pick (via DET), 2025 First-Round Pick (via WAS)

Let’s be real—Coby White has been low-key awesome this season. He’s averaging 18.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.6 rebounds while knocking down 42.4% of his shots and 37.1% from deep. The guy is a bucket and can run the offense when needed. But here’s the thing: the Bulls are clearly moving in a new direction. With Josh Giddey running the show (averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.2 boards), White has taken a backseat, and honestly, he might be better off elsewhere.

The Bulls are sitting at 10-15 and look like they’re gearing up for a rebuild. Moving White, who’s on a two-year, $24 million deal, makes a ton of sense. He’s valuable enough to fetch a good return, and this trade brings in assets they can actually use moving forward. Precious Achiuwa is solid on defense and adds energy and versatility. Miles McBride is a scrappy young guard with the potential to breakout this season at 11.1 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.6 rebounds, and Jericho Sims is an athletic big who can fill out the rotation. Add in two juicy first-round picks in 2025, and the Bulls have a nice package to keep building for the future.

For the Knicks, White is the definition of a perfect sixth man. He’s a microwave scorer who can light it up off the bench, create his own shot, and space the floor. Plus, he’s still only 24 years old, so he fits with their timeline while bringing immediate impact. His contract is reasonable for what he offers, and he’s the type of player who could swing a playoff series with his scoring outbursts.

This deal works for everyone. The Bulls get pieces to help their rebuild, and the Knicks add a legit spark plug who can elevate their second unit. It’s a win-win that makes too much sense not to happen.

The Knicks Find A Bargain Big In Nick Richards

Knicks receive: Nick Richards

Hornets receive: Precious Achiuwa, 2025 First-Round Pick (via WAS)

If the Knicks are done window shopping for expensive backup bigs like Capela or Gafford, Nick Richards is the budget-friendly option they’ve been waiting for. The guy’s been rock solid for the Hornets this season, averaging 11.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in just 26.8 minutes a game. Oh, and he’s shooting a ridiculously efficient 62.1% from the floor. You want a low-key rim protector who doesn’t need plays called for him? Richards is your man.

What makes this even sweeter is his contract. Richards is locked in at just $5 million a year until 2026—way cheaper than most of the big men on the market. For a Knicks squad already spending big on their core, grabbing a reliable big at this price is a no-brainer.

On the flip side, the Hornets might be ready to part ways. With Moussa Diabaté becoming the starting big and Mark Williams slowly coming back into action, Richards is starting to look like a luxury they don’t really need. Diabaté’s hustle and versatility are making it clear he could be their center of the future, and shipping out Richards for Achiuwa and a first-round pick get the Hornets a piece for now and one for the future.

This trade just makes sense. The Knicks get a legit rim protector for pennies on the dollar, and the Hornets keep building for their rebuild. It’s not flashy, but it’s smart—and sometimes smart is exactly what you need.

Snagging Bennedict Mathurin For A Bench Boost

Knicks receive: Benedict Mathurin

Pacers receive: Jericho Sims, Tyler Kolek, Matt Ryan, Pacome Dadiet, 2025 First-Round Pick (via DET), 2025 First-Round Pick (via WAS)

Benedict Mathurin is exactly the type of player who could light up the Knicks’ second unit. This season, he’s putting up 17.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 25 games, shooting a solid 47.1% from the field and a clean 40% from deep. The guy can score from anywhere, whether it’s off the dribble, attacking the rim, or knocking down threes. For a Knicks team that’s missing a true scoring wing off the bench, Mathurin would be a game-changer.

The Pacers, meanwhile, are in a weird spot. They’re 10-15 and sitting 9th in the East, but their roster is heavy on guards and wings. With Tyrese Haliburton running the offense and Pascal Siakam leading the scoring charge at nearly 20 points per game, Mathurin might be a bit of a luxury. Trading him for depth and draft assets lets the Pacers build for the future while staying competitive now.

In this deal, the Pacers get a nice mix of players and picks. Jericho Sims is an athletic big who brings rim protection and energy, Tyler Kolek is a young guard with solid upside, and Matt Ryan adds shooting to the wing rotation. Pacome Dadiet is more of a long-term project, but the two first-round picks in 2025 could be huge for a team looking to keep its options open.

For the Knicks, Mathurin slots in perfectly. Pairing him with Miles McBride gives them a legit one-two scoring punch off the bench. His ability to create his own shot and space the floor would give the Knicks a much-needed offensive boost when the starters sit. Plus, at just 22 years old, Mathurin fits the timeline of their young core while being ready to contribute right away.

This trade checks all the boxes. The Knicks get a scorer to energize their bench, and the Pacers get depth and flexibility for the future. It’s a win-win deal that makes sense for both sides.