3 Offseason tasks the Knicks should already be working on

2. Shop Obi Toppin and potentially RJ Barrett

As much as it pains me to say, it may be time for Obi Toppin and potentially even RJ Barrett’s time as Knicks to come to an end. While Barrett is incredibly less likely to be moved than Toppin, the potential of a big star asking out could move the needle for Rose.

In the case of Toppin, it has become increasingly clear that he is simply not a good fit in New York, which is a shame because his talent as a finisher is so obvious. However, apparently, it’s not obvious enough to Tom Thibodeau, who opts to use Toppin as a spot-up shooter as opposed to a pick-and-roll lob threat.

Regardless, there are no doubts that the Knicks could definitely get an upgrade at the backup power forward position if they opted to ship Toppin off. Even if they add a small ball four, 3&D wing type of player to replace Toppin, the team would benefit.

Really, the Knicks just need more defense and shooting power off the bench next season, and it just so happens that these two things are arguably Toppin’s worst traits. A trade would likely benefit Toppin, as he could finally be used in the proper role.

For Barrett, many fans likely don’t wish to see him being traded, but with him having a relatively disappointing season full of inconsistency, the Knicks could look to move on from him for a more consistent star.

This is, as we previously mentioned, much less likely to occur than a potential Toppin trade, but still something worth monitoring in the offseason.