It's never too early to look ahead to the trade deadline, especially since it's already late December. The New York Knicks likely won't be one of the more active teams at the deadline, but there are a couple of moves the front office could make.
New York could have a trick up its sleeve, too. No one saw the Knicks trading for Josh Hart, but it's a move that worked out perfectly. Perhaps something similar will happen in 2024. While it's impossible to know exactly what New York will (or won't) do, these three predictions could end up happening.
3 early predictions for Knicks ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline
3. Evan Fournier trade
Remember Evan Fournier? That guy who plays for the Knicks? Or the guy who used to play for the Knicks but now sits on the bench? Yeah, him.
In an offseason interview, Fournier said he'd like to be traded to go to a team where he could contribute. He believed he wouldn't suit up for the Knicks again, but he was back with the team for training camp in Charleston.
Since the season started, Fournier has played in only one game. If that alone doesn't prove he isn't in New York's future plans, nothing will. He's making a cool $18.9 million in 2023-24 and has a $19 million club option for 2024-25. As the trade deadline draws nearer, there could be a team willing to take a swing on Fournier so they can have more shooting in time for the playoffs.
It's a sure bet that the Knicks will get something in return for Fournier in February rather than wait to decline his team option over the summer.
2. Immanuel Quickley trade
This is simply a prediction. It doesn't mean Knicks fans should want to see Immanuel Quickley traded because that isn't the case. Instead, it means rather than risk losing him as a restricted free agent, the front office should aim to get something in return for him ahead of the deadline.
New York will have the chance to match any offer sheet that Quickley gets in free agency. Considering the Knicks didn't want to pay him starter-level money when it came time to sign him to an extension, don't expect them to dig too deep into their wallet to keep him. Other teams (like the Spurs) will be in a position to offer IQ more money than New York can afford.
Quickley is worthy of being a starting point guard in the NBA, and that isn't an opportunity that'll arise for him with the Knicks. Fans have called for New York to start him in the shooting guard slot, as he can play off-ball (so can Brunson). However, if Tom Thibodeau wanted to do that, he would've done it by now.
If Quickley is traded, Knicks fans should rightfully be frustrated. It was tough to see Obi Toppin go for a couple of second-round picks, so imagine what it'd be like to see Quickley, who's very capable of being a star, on another team.
1. No trade for a superstar
At least for now, Joel Embiid's name has been crossed off New York's trade list. He and Tyrese Maxey aren't just keeping the Sixers afloat without James Harden (shocker), as Philadelphia is a top-three team in the East. The Sixers are still able to trade for an All-Star, whoever that may be.
The Knicks getting Giannis Antetokounmpo, whether via trade or free agency, was an offseason dream cut short after the Bucks traded for Damian Lillard. Soon after, Antetokounmpo signed an extension, ending all speculation that the superstar could leave Milwaukee.
We're nearly 30 games into the 2023-24 season, and there isn't an obvious star on the market that New York should pursue. That could change between now and the Feb. 8 deadline, but right now, the belief is that the soonest the Knicks will trade for a star is the offseason.
Maybe that star will be Donovan Mitchell, who didn't sign an extension this past offseason and is on a Cavaliers squad down Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Last season, Cleveland won 51 games, but this season, their future looks bleak. If Mitchell doesn't commit to the organization long-term by signing an extension this upcoming summer, the Knicks trade rumors will get even hotter.