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3 teams that could crush Knicks fans by trading for Obi Toppin

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2022 in New York City NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks 121-100. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2022 in New York City NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks 121-100. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports) /

2: Indiana Pacers

Given Deveney’s report that the Knicks have engaged in trade talks with the Pacers about Obi Toppin, putting Indiana on this list was an obvious choice. Whether or not New York has or has not spoken with Indiana, the Pacers would be a good fit for Toppin.

Indiana is going to be a team to watch leading up to the deadline due to the rumors that have been floating around Buddy Hield and Myles Turner. Many thought that one, or both, would be Lakers at this point in the season, but for the time being, Hield and Turner are still with the Pacers.

With Indiana on the verge of fully entering a rebuilding phase, the Pacers would be a good team for Toppin to end up on. Without a doubt, he’d get the minutes he deserves and would be able to solidify his role on a young Eastern Conference team. Imagine what Toppin would look like with Tyrese Haliburton in transition.

The question is what would New York get in return? With the Knicks looking to add to their draft capital, perhaps the Pacers would part with one of their first-round draft picks. The front office is still waiting to successfully pull off a trade for a long-awaited star, so additional draft compensation would be beneficial in that scenario.

Indiana has plenty of cap space, too. Paying Toppin wouldn’t be an issue for the Pacers, and given that he’s only 24, he could end up playing a key role on a young squad, just not the one in New York.

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