New York Knicks basketball players Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Knicks trade efforts being held up by this major factor

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 2/7/24

Will the New York Knicks make a significant move prior to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline? They might need to compromise on one notable issue if they want that to happen.

Michael Grange of SportsNet reported on Wednesday that the Knicks and Toronto Raptors have engaged in trade talks surrounding forward Bruce Brown. The Knicks, however, appear reluctant to part with any future first-round picks in a trade, which has led those talks to stall.

Stefon Bondy of the New York Post echoed the suggestion that the Knicks are trying very hard to hold onto their future firsts.

Have heard the same that Knicks are holding tightly to their future firsts. https://t.co/tS6MIjjZBN

— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) February 7, 2024

The Knicks have two first-round picks in the 2024 Draft and two more in 2025. Those could be valuable if the Knicks have the chance to trade for a star player in the offseason. Brown would certainly be helpful in the short-term, but not if acquiring him deprived the Knicks of the opportunity to add an even bigger piece in a few months.

Brown was acquired by the Raptors as part of the Pascal Siakam trade and the team has little intention of keeping him. Reports suggest he has been receiving plenty of interest, which might end up pricing the Knicks out of his market.

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

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