The New York Knicks didn’t sit out the NBA Trade Deadline, but they came close. The only transaction the team made the week of the deadline was to trade Cam Reddish, a protected first, and some matching salary to the Portland Trail Blazers for a rotation wing in Josh Hart. Hardly a blockbuster.
The Knicks were reportedly in talks with the Chicago Bulls for swingman Zach LaVine, but the two sides didn’t come to a deal. The Knicks kept the powder dry on a trade for a star, just as they did with Kyrie Irving earlier in the week, or with Donovan Mitchell over the summer. The Knicks continue to bide their time.
The New York Knicks are waiting to make a superstar trade
Eventually, however, the Knicks are going to push the chips in. A star will come available that the Knicks think is worth making the winning bid for. Even after sending this year’s protected first-rounder to the Trail Blazers, the Knicks have four extra first-round picks and all of their own beyond this season.
Which NBA stars will be the next ones available on the trade market, and who will the Knicks go after? Predicting the demise of the Utah Jazz or the combustion of the Brooklyn Nets was possible for those paying attention; some other stars come available out of the blue. Which big-time NBA stars are the Knicks waiting on, and what are the chances they will suit up for the team one day?
Let’s rank the options from Long Shot to Surefire, beginning with a two-time MVP.