Knicks News: Obi Toppin trade talk, Julius Randle’s future perspective
After New York Knicks fans braced themselves for Obi Toppin to be traded ahead of the February deadline, he remained on the team’s roster for the remainder of the 2022-23 season. Like his good friend Immanuel Quickley, Toppin’s eligible to sign an extension this summer. However, the odds of that happening are low.
If the Knicks are actively trying to trade into the 2023 NBA Draft, a deal will likely involve Toppin. He’s set to be a restricted free agent next summer, meaning that it’d be better for New York to move on from him this offseason to get some sort of value in return.
New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy reported (subscription required) that Toppin was frustrated with his limited role at times during the 2022-23 season. To go with that, Newsday’s Steve Popper reported (subscription required) that Toppin was hoping to be traded ahead of the February deadline and that he and the organization have agreed that it’s time for “a change of scenery.”
The Obi Toppin trade chatter has ramped up over the past couple of days, which means that the smoke is coming from somewhere.
More Knicks news
- Julius Randle was recently a guest on Paul George’s podcast, where he said that the Knicks are not “that far off” from competing for an NBA Championship. Randle added that being in New York has been “tough” for his family at times, even saying that playing for the Knicks the past four seasons has aged him.
- According to The Athletic (subscription required), the Knicks were “in heavy for a while” in the Bradley Beal trade talks. Beal was traded to the Suns along with Jordan Goodwin and Isaiah Todd for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks, and pick swaps.
- With the Zion Williamson trade rumors heating up, New York has once again emerged as a landing spot for the 22-year-old.
NBA news
- Gary Trent Jr. opted into his $18.6 million player option for 2023-24 to stay with the Raptors while Kyle Kuzma declined his $13 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent.
- Although Draymond Green declined his $27.5 million player option for next season, the Warriors are still “hopeful” that he’ll re-sign with the team in free agency.
- After being traded to the Wizards, Chris Paul is expected to end up in Los Angeles, whether that be with the Clippers or Lakers.
- The Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G League affiliate, named Lindsey Harding as head coach on Monday. Harding played at Duke before going only to spend nine years in the WNBA.
