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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, Chicago Bulls
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports) /

1: Chicago Bulls

It’s no secret that if Zach LaVine were to become available ahead of the trade deadline, the Knicks would be interested. If LaVine did wind up in New York, there’s a chance that Obi Toppin would be one of the players that the Knicks would send to the Bulls.

Chicago has maintained that it isn’t interested in dealing LaVine, but the reports about his supposed unhappiness with his role (subscription required) make a trade seem likelier. With the Bulls sitting toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 17-21 record, there have been questions about whether Chicago should tear things apart or not.

If the Bulls and Knicks do end up engaging in trade talks for LaVine, Toppin would be an intriguing player for Chicago. Patrick Williams, who was also a lottery pick in 2020, hasn’t performed as hoped in the first half of his third season with the Bulls. Toppin not only would be a solid backup for Williams (if he isn’t traded) but he would perhaps be awarded the opportunity to take his place in the starting lineup. Unlike Williams, Toppin hasn’t been given a fair shot by the team that drafted him.

All of this hinges on whether or not the Bulls decide that they’re willing to listen to offers for LaVine. If he winds up staying in Chicago for the entirety of the season, then the idea of Toppin possibly being traded to the Bulls would be erased altogether.

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