With less than three weeks until the NBA Trade Deadline, the New York Knicks are one team many insiders are expecting to make a move. They made their big splash, acquiring OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors, but that deal did open up some holes on the roster.
It wouldn’t hurt the Knicks to add some more depth to the frontcourt, especially with Isaiah Hartenstein nursing a sore ankle. His absence would be a huge blow to a team that is already without Mitchell Robinson.
The status of Hartenstein will have an impact on the team’s plans going forward if he is going to be forced to miss time. If the Knicks are going to trade for some frontcourt help, Daniel Gafford of the Washington Wizards has been mentioned as a potential candidate. However, arguably the biggest need on this roster is another ball handler and shot creator.
To complete that trade with the Raptors, the Knicks parted ways with Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. Quickley had been the backup to Jalen Brunson all season and the team’s sixth man. Barrett was the starter who played with the bench unit, taking over the offense with Brunson and Julius Randle resting.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Daniel Gafford, Bruce Brown, Malcolm Brogdon, New York Knicks Updates
Without them, the Knicks have had some ugly stretches with their two stars on the bench. They need to add another shot creator and have been linked to several ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
The player connected to New York the most is Malcolm Brogdon. He is one of the likeliest players to be on the move as the Portland Trail Blazers are in the early stages of a rebuild and are looking for more assets. New York and Portland completed a deadline deal last year which was centered around Josh Hart.
Another guard who could be on the Knicks’ radar is Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz. However, the price to acquire him is high. It could be even higher for New York if Danny Ainge keeps up the same grudge he did during Donovan Mitchell trade talks.
One player who has voiced his desire to be in New York is Bruce Brown. Brown was traded to the Raptors from the Indiana Pacers as part of the Pascal Siakam blockbuster and is expected to be re-routed ahead of the deadline. His comments after the Knicks and Raptors faced off proves the perception around New York is changing in the NBA.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
