3 biggest Knicks needs at 2023 NBA trade deadline

In Sports/Basketball
2023-01-28 15:09:08Z
By SNY

May 4, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) against the Dallas Mavericks in game two of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center.

With the NBA Trade Deadline just two weeks away, talks are ramping up as teams push to make their final moves before the home stretch of the season.

The Knicks are likely to be an active dealer, setting up a fun couple weeks of trade machine mock-ups and rumor reading for their fans.

Here are three needs New York should look to address come the deadline...

Added wing depth

At full strength, this Knicks rotation runs two traditional wings in RJ Barrett and Quentin Grimes. Either one pairs with guard Miles McBride in bench units, allowing head coach Tom Thibodeau to keep his two and three positions filled without more.

As we saw when Barrett was injured, this arrangement can't hold. Losing one handicaps the Knicks and there's no option to go small with an extra wing.

Evan Fournier and Cam Reddish are available off the bench, but the former's having a rough season, and the latter hasn't played in two months, clearly not in the team's favor. An upgrade in this space is due.

Names like Jae Crowder, Gordon Hayward and Bojan Bogdanovic would bring some veteran help at the wing, on top of size at the position that New York is missing. All can spread the floor and have performed in big playoff games.

Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the second half during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center.

Upgrade at fourth guard

The aforementioned McBride has done a good job adding defense to the bench rotation since December, but struggled to produce on the other end. His poor jump-shooting and tentativeness using his strength held him and his lineups back some.

Even among McBride believers, it's hard to argue a more seasoned, well-rounded player at his position would probably be a better bet come the postseason. That player isn't yet on the team, so New York will likely look elsewhere to bolster their backcourt.

The Knicks have been linked to guys like Eric Gordon, Malik Beasley and even Chris Paul, and all three, among others like Terry Rozier and Terrence Ross would be a big help.

Oct 19, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New York Knicks forward Cam Reddish (0) reacts with guard Evan Fournier (13) after making a three point basket with 3.

New homes for benched players

Fournier, Reddish and Derrick Rose are all languishing at the end of the bench, despite still being NBA-caliber players.

The Knicks would be wise to move them to preferred destinations where they might actually find playing time, not only to clear their roster up for other moves, but to garner good will with these players and their agents.

Reddish will reportedly draw a second-round pick. Fournier may cost a pick to unload, and while Rose has extra value as an expiring contract, he likely won't draw much of a return.

Another name that might need moving is Obi Toppin. Through struggles or domination, he's locked into a measly 12 minutes per night despite being a former 8th-overall pick with enticing offensive abilities.

With his rookie contract expiring after next season and the Knicks unlikely to extend every member of their young core, one has to wonder if Toppin is being shopped. He's sure to have higher aspirations than how New York is utilizing him, making it a win-win proposition.

Unfortunately, it appears his market might be on the cool side, given that Rui Hachimura, another solid mid-lottery prospect, just got dealt for three second-round picks.