The New York Knicks as currently constructed are not a title contender. I’m not sure there’s a move they can make this offseason that would make them a contender. That doesn’t mean there aren’t moves to be made that could get them closer.
Fred Katz of The Athletic reported (subscription required) that the Knicks could be looking to trade some of their young players for prime-aged veterans. This Knicks team is too imbalanced with small guards and frontcourt players but not many big-wing players.
The shooting also has not been improved when you consider the Knicks should have the same closing lineup as last year. It seems like the Knicks’ work is unfinished, the team is incomplete.
So, who could they be targeting? There is one guy who would be a perfect fit.
OG Anunoby is a big wing and a prime-aged veteran. He is a newly minted CAA client and is possibly available in a trade.
How much would a Knicks trade for OG Anunoby cost?
Would a trade of Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, and two first-round picks get it done? Toronto asked for three firsts at the trade deadline, but the cost could go down with less team control on OG Anunoby’s contract.
This trade would reduce the Knicks’ glut of small guards and while it would be tough to lose IQ, he is due for a big contract extension. Reports say that the Knicks are willing to give Quickley $20 million a year but if the price gets above that they may try to trade him.
Acquiring Anunoby would lead to a more balanced team, a team that can defend bigger wing players better and would give the Knicks another good three-point shooter.
It will be fascinating to see what the Knicks do the rest of the offseason. There are many factors to consider but I have faith this front office will stick to their plan and not overpay in a trade.
13 Players the New York Knicks held onto for too long
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