The New York Knicks are a team that plenty of people are keeping an eye on ahead of the NBA trade deadline. They have the assets to pull off a big move should the opportunity present itself to make one.
While a smaller trade is more realistic, especially given how much better they have played over the last few weeks, situations are fluid with just over a week until the NBA trade deadline. New York has been connected to numerous players, the most headline-grabbing one being OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors.
Toronto has not indicated what its plans are ahead of the deadline, but there is a chance they opt to blow things up and start a rebuild of its own. If that is the route they take, Anunoby will garner a lot of attention on the open market.
One NBA executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network believes that the Knicks would be an ideal landing spot for Anunoby should he be on the move. His fit in their lineup would be a seamless one.
“The Knicks want to compete right now, and they have the Mavs’ first-round pick in this year’s draft. They have some young players and extra protected picks to work with, too. With Brunson, Randle, and Barrett, they have some firepower there. Add a bigger wing like Anunoby with some shooting ability, and they become an intriguing threat.”
Not only would the Knicks have a ton of firepower with that quartet, but Anunoby also fits the mold as the kind of player that Tom Thibodeau loves. He has the tools to become a two-way star with his improving offense and already being one of the best defenders in the NBA. Anunoby has garnered some attention as the Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
But, the price is what will be the determining factor. The Raptors reportedly have an offer on the table already that includes three first-round picks. In addition to draft picks, Toronto could look for young players in return for Anunoby as well. The executive provided the framework of what a deal could be.
“If I’m the Raptors, I’m asking for Quickley in part of a trade. I like his upside and they should get another creator in there. Reddish is probably worth taking a calculated risk on as well. I’d probably want Derrick Rose’s contract as a filler since he has a team option next season and you can decline it.”
To get talented players you need to part with something of value, and in this case, it is emerging guard Immanuel Quickley. He is setting himself up nicely for a payday this offseason as he is eligible for his rookie extension.
He has reportedly not been made available by New York, which is smart. He has shown that he can thrive in any situation, whether it is as a starter or coming off the bench. The impact he has defensively is immense and he has made strides as a playmaking as well. If the Knicks are willing to include him in a deal, it would almost certainly cut down the cost of draft capital required to make a deal.
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