The New York Knicks have been active with the trade deadline around the corner, making noise with a big trade for OG Anunoby before the new year. Now, with the ball rolling, talks haven't slowed down in terms of New York making another trade before February 8.
There have been rumors of Donovan Mitchell heading to New York City for a while now, but the Knicks have a noticeable lack of offensive presence on their bench.
Quentin Grimes and Josh Hart lead the bench in scoring, combining for just 14.2 points per game, and Miles McBride moved up in the rotation. Most of these players aren't known to score, and this group, while performing well lately, probably won't be able to sustain their production through the playoffs.
At 5-0, the Knicks are definitely not in panic mode. However, it would be more realistic and certainly beneficial for Leon Rose to acquire a scorer to replace their former sixth man Immanuel Quickley, whom they traded for Anunoby. Multiple players have been in trade rumors around the NBA, and Leon Rose has the assets to get them.
3 bench trades the Knicks should explore before the Feb. 8 deadline
Evan Fournier-Kelly Olynyk swap
Olynyk's basic stats at 8.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game might not look enticing. However, you have to consider that the 32-year-old veteran is averaging just 21.3 minutes this season. Last year, he played 28.6 minutes per game and averaged 12.5 points on 39.4% 3PT shooting. This season, he's shooting 42.4% from deep with an offensive rating of 128.4.
The 12-year forward/center out of Gonzaga would certainly space the floor for a Knicks bench with facilitators and defenders such as McBride, Hart, and Precious Achiuwa. Playing the four at 6'11" allows Olynyk to post up forwards while also playing a catch-and-shoot role.
In today's NBA, spacing is utilized more than ever, and when you have four or five players who can play from anywhere on the court, the defense is at more of a disadvantage than having two bigs play a traditional role inside the three-point line.
Olynyk would add another dimension to the bench's offense. He could slide into a forward spot some nights and allow the Knicks to play with a bigger lineup, and he could even get in late-game situations with his experience.
Knicks get Jordan Clarkson
The Jazz have their own first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but it goes to Oklahoma City if it falls out of the top ten (currently projected 12th), so this trade would practically guarantee them a mid-to-late first-round selection. Plus, a second-round pick that could have originally been their own. It would cost their veteran scorer, but it doesn't make much sense for him to stay in Utah, considering the team is rebuilding.
Evan Fournier's contract would be the only concern in this deal. However, even with his incoming salary, Utah saves $2.7 million in this trade, giving them extra room to pay one of their own guys or add money to get a free agent.
Jericho Sims is a young, unpolished pick-and-roll big, but he could certainly develop into a solid bench player behind Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen. The picks are what really makes this deal appealing for the Jazz, and it's the right amount for Rose to give them, considering Clarkson's deal is up after this season.
While the Knicks would not be guaranteed to retain Clarkson if they were to get him on the last half-season of his contract, he could certainly be convinced to stay. Averaging 17.4 points and 5.2 assists, 00 has always been a consistent contributor for playoff teams, in Utah and Cleveland.
Clarkson fits the group of players who can come off the bench and get a bucket when you need it, similar to Quickley. They're both excellent isolation scorers while being able to dabble in facilitating. The 2021 Sixth Man of the Year would add much-needed depth and someone to run the floor when Jalen Brunson isn't out there.
Knicks get 2023 Sixth Man of the Year
Brogdon has been in a flurry of trade rumors after being sent to Portland over the summer in order for the Celtics to acquire Jrue Holiday. The Trail Blazers are rebuilding with their young guards in Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe. Brogdon has kept his production up but takes minutes away from developing talents as the team sits at a 10-26 record.
This move would also give the Blazers Fournier's contract (the Knicks don't have much flexibility with contracts), but similar to the Clarkson trade, Portland saves $3.6 million. They also gain a first-round pick in next year's draft, albeit a late pick, considering it's from the Bucks, but still. Plus, they would only have to give up a second-round pick three years down the line.
As for the Knicks, they get an actual point guard who can work in multiple areas. The bottom line is this bench needs scoring, and Brogdon fits the description. Plus, he's still a solid all-around player with 5.2 assists per game and a 114.1 defensive rating.
Brogdon was the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year. However, at 31 years old, he isn't as valuable as any other reigning award-winners. He's also making $22.5 million this season AND next season, making suitors hesitant to give up future assets for him.
While it is a slightly more unattractive move compared to the other two, 14.9 points per game would be attractive enough for the Knicks to replace Quickley with an above-average floor general.