In three weeks, the trade deadline will be here but before then, the New York Knicks have some decisions to make. With players like Cam Reddish and Derrick Rose seemingly already out the door, the Knicks could add a new player or two to the roster as well.
Reports about players that New York has inquired about have been floating around and there’s even been a rumor that the Knicks and Pacers have engaged in trade talks about Obi Toppin. Luckily, Feb. 9 is around the corner so unlike the summer when fans waited for what felt like forever to learn where Donovan Mitchell would end up, the team’s trade deadline decisions will soon be known.
The Atlantic Division could be one of the more active decisions leading up to the deadline, especially with the Raptors being a team to watch. With New York set to host Toronto tonight for the second time this season, let’s take a look at three Raptors players that the Knicks could trade for.
3 Raptors players Knicks could trade for ahead of Feb. 9 deadline
3. Pascal Siakam
Even if the Raptors decide to shake up the trade market ahead of the deadline, Pascal Siakam should be safe. And if he is made available, Toronto would get a haul in exchange for him and New York has what it would take to get a deal done.
Siakam is in the midst of another All-NBA season and he could (and should) be named an All-Star for the first time. Along with the career-high 52 points that he dropped on the Knicks in December, he’s averaging 25.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists and is shooting 47.4 percent from the field. Siakam will be an unrestricted free agent in 2024. He’s making $35.5 million this season and will make $37.9 million in 2023-24.
There’s no doubt that the 28-year-old is having the best season of his seven-year career, but given Toronto’s struggles, it’s being wasted. As you can see by his assist average, Siakam’s improved as a playmaker. He gets it done on both ends of the floor as he’s a great defender and is the Raptors’ top scorer.
Pascal Siakam would be an incredible addition to the Knicks, but he wouldn’t come cheap if Masai Ujiri did come to the conclusion that trading him would be best for Toronto. He’s the unlikeliest trade target on this list, but you can bet that New York’s front office (along with others) is closely paying attention to what’s unfolding in Toronto.