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This Knicks-Pacers trade would send forward Obi Toppin to Indiana

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 11: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks passes under pressure from Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on January 11, 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 11: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks passes under pressure from Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on January 11, 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks-Obi Toppin trade rumors have quieted down over the past week, but on the day that free agency’s set to begin, they’ve picked right back up.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, “the Pacers have emerged as a leading trade suitor” for the 25-year-old forward. Toppin has been linked to Indiana for months now, and a trade could finally be made official soon.

Most Knicks fans wanted to see Chris Duarte go to New York in a Toppin-Pacers trade, but Duarte was dealt to Sacramento on Friday morning. It’s important to note that deal hasn’t been made official yet.

It’s looking as if a trade does happen between New York and Indiana, it’ll likely involve only draft capital. Toppin is set to be a restricted free agent next offseason and between his reported frustration with his limited role and the Knicks’ belief in Julius Randle, the 2020 lottery pick is expected to be traded this summer.

Pacers have reportedly emerged as “leading trade suitor” for Knicks’ Obi Toppin

Here’s what an Obi Toppin Knicks-Pacers trade could look like:

If you’re a Knicks fan that’s disappointed by New York getting only two second-round picks in return, you’re not alone. There’s a chance that the team could walk away with only one second-round pick. Regardless, the Knicks aren’t going to be able to get much to begin with.

As if it won’t be bittersweet enough for fans to watch Toppin get traded, think about how his game will expand getting to play alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner. Toppin running the floor in transition with Haliburton would be a highlight reel that could haunt Knicks fans for a long time, as would the pick-and-rolls featuring that duo.

Toppin would have a good chance at being the Pacers’ starting power forward, too. Indiana acquired No. 8 pick Jarace Walker in a 2023 NBA Draft night trade with Washington, so while it wouldn’t be ideal for the 19-year-old to be behind Toppin in the rotation, Obi couldn’t ask for a better situation.

It’s been said many times over the past couple of weeks, but all signs are pointing toward Obi Toppin’s time with the Knicks coming to an end.

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