Knicks to trade veteran center to Eastern Conference rival for former first-round pick

New York will receive Delon Wright and cash in return, Charania notes. Milwaukee will only be permitted to send out cash because it will be below the second apron once the deal is finalized.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the Knicks will also part with the draft rights to French big man Mathias Lessort in exchange for the draft rights to French guard Hugo Besson.

The Bucks were among the teams said to have interest in Sims, along with both L.A. clubs, in a Tuesday report from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Denver has also been mentioned as a potential Sims suitor.

Sims, 26, is in his fourth season with the Knicks after being selected with the 58th pick in 2021. He has appeared in 39 games so far this season, but his playing time declined to a career-low 10.8 minutes per game and he was averaging just 1.6 points and 3.3 rebounds. He has a $2M expiring contract and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.

The move raises speculation that New York will try to add another big man before Thursday afternoon’s trade deadline. Mitchell Robinson remains out of action while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, but he’s reportedly making progress toward a return.

Wright, a 32-year-old guard, was in his first season with the Bucks after signing as a free agent in July. His shooting has been an issue as he’s connecting at 26.8% from the field and 24.5% from three-point range while averaging 2.5 PPG in 26 games. Wright is on a one-year, $2M contract and is also headed for free agency.