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3 Knicks players who are playing for their future in New York

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 18: Obi Toppin #1 speaks with Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on January 18, 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. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 18: Obi Toppin #1 speaks with Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on January 18, 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. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks were one win away from extending their win streak to 10 but came up short against the Hornets on Tuesday. Even with that loss, the Knicks are still in a good position. The team will earn a playoff berth if New York remains in the East’s top six.

There’s a lot to like about New York’s rotation, which could lead the team past the first round of the playoffs for only the second time this century. Looking ahead to the offseason, though, there are questions about a few players on the roster. Evan Fournier and Derrick Rose are out of the rotation and will likely be on the move, but that wouldn’t be surprising at all.

Here are three players in Tom Thibodeau’s shortened rotation that are playing for their potential future in New York.

3 Knicks players who are playing for their future in New York

3: Obi Toppin

Obi Toppin is at a disadvantage. Since being drafted by the Knicks with the No. 8 pick in 2020, he’s played behind Julius Randle, who has had two All-Star seasons since then. It’s been made painfully clear that he isn’t going to have the role that he deserves in New York.

It seemed as if he was going to be traded ahead of the deadline last month with teams like the Pacers showing interest, but Toppin will remain with the Knicks for at least the remainder of the season. New York picked up his fourth-year option earlier in the season, so he could spend the majority of next season with the team.

Here’s the thing, though. With the Knicks still in search of a big-name star to trade for or sign in free agency, the more cap space, the better. Toppin will become extension-eligible during the offseason, but it would take a miracle for the team to give him one. Depending on what happens between now and the end of the 2022-23 season, there is a good possibility that this season could be Toppin’s last in New York.

It’s hard to do a whole lot when you’re receiving an average of 14.6 minutes per night. Unless Toppin is given a larger role and goes on an absolute tear similar to what Immanuel Quickley has been doing, there seems to be no future for him with the Knicks. There’s still a lot of basketball left to be played this season, so let’s see what Toppin will be able to accomplish.

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