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Knicks Linked to Former Lakers Forward on NBA Buyout Market, Solving Injury Problems

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 2:22 PM ET

As the New York Knicks grapple with the meniscus injury to Ariel Hukporti and Mitchell Robinson is yet to make his season debut, the team clearly needs some added depth to their frontcourt before a possible deep run in the playoffs.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been solid and reliable for New York all season, but having some insurance behind him is a must if the Knicks want to find any degree of success in the postseason.

Recently, it was floated that the Knicks could sign a former Los Angeles Lakers' waived center.

Last season, Christian Wood averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 50 games for the Lakers, although it was by far his first season since breaking out with the Detroit Pistons in 2019-20. If he's available, he is a quality two-way big man who can keep a team afloat when needed.

"When healthy, the 29-year-old is a seriously-skilled big man who hovers around 37 to 38 percent from 3, can put the ball on the floor, create his own shot and is a good lob threat," wrote The Athletic's James Edwards III. "Wood is not a game-changer defensively, but he has rim-protecting moments here and there and can rebound OK. The problem is that Wood hasn’t been healthy all year. He started the season with the Los Angeles Lakers, was unable to play after undergoing knee surgery, and was waived two weeks ago."

Edwards linked Wood to the Knicks before Hukporti was ruled out, and that injury, which further slashed their depth, just highlights the need for a center.

If Wood can recover and play shortly, making his season debut for New York--which will be his ninth NBA team--makes sense for both player and team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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