The New York Knicks are expected to be active ahead of the NBA trade deadline, even after dealing for OG Anunoby and two others on Dec. 30. New York has surged up the standings since the deal with Toronto and could look for further reinforcements in preparation for a potentially extended playoff run.
While the Knicks have connected to several stars over the past couple of years, this deadline could center on under-the-radar acquisitions, such as second-year Atlanta Hawk AJ Griffin.
According to Matt Moore of Action Network, the Knicks are among a handful of teams that are interested in "buying low" on Griffin, who has fallen out of the Atlanta rotation after joining the team as a first-round pick in 2022.
The Knicks were previously linked to Griffin, who previously guided Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains to high school hardwood glory. Griffin, who later played at Duke, is also the son of current Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian, a Seton Hall alum and nine-year NBA veteran.
Perhaps some home cooking is exactly what Griffin needs, as he appeared in only 16 of the Hawks' 42 games this season and hasn't played more than 10 minutes since Nov. 28. That lack of playing time could significantly lower his price, which is good news for a Knicks group somewhat lacking in tradeable assets after trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for Anunoby and two others.
New York and Atlanta previously exchanged draft washouts in 2022, swapping Kevin Knox for Cam Reddish. Both have since moved on, with Reddish included in the deal that landed the Knicks foundational reserve Josh Hart at last year's deadline.
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