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3 possible trade deadline moves Knicks fans must prepare for

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 02: Head Coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks looks on against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2023 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. New York Knicks defeated the Phoenix Suns 102-83. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 02: Head Coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks looks on against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2023 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. New York Knicks defeated the Phoenix Suns 102-83. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

1: Trading Obi Toppin

If the Knicks were to trade Obi Toppin, it wouldn’t necessarily be a surprise because his name has been brought up in rumors, but it would still be a lot for fans to take in. The 2020 lottery pick hasn’t gotten a fair shot since being drafted by New York and part of the reason for that is Toppin’s rookie season lined up with Julius Randle’s All-Star season.

But of course, the main reason for Toppin not seeing the floor more is Tom Thibodeau. It’s well known that Thibodeau loves his veteran players, but he likes to keep Toppin on a short leash. It doesn’t matter how well Toppin performs, his playing time isn’t going to reflect that. As much as it may pain fans to hear, Toppin would likely be better off elsewhere on a team where he’d be given the increased role that he deserves.

It would take some time to process the Knicks trading Toppin, but it’s a move that would at least make sense. Depending on what New York could get in return for him, Toppin might be entering his final weeks as a Knick.

If Obi ends up being dealt, fans will always think about what could’ve been, especially if he ends up shining with his new team. At this point, it seems as if what’s best for Toppin would be a trade. Randle is playing at a high level and could very well earn his second All-Star honor. Based on how Thibodeau operates, things aren’t exactly looking good for Toppin.

At the very least, fans should go ahead and brace themselves for a Knicks team that no longer includes Obi Toppin.

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