The trade deadline is two months away, meaning speculation surrounding the New York Knicks will continue to ramp up. New York is 12-8, good enough for fifth in the East, but is still one key player away from being considered a contender.
Now that we're well over a month into the 2023-24 season, teams have a better idea of where they stand. Truthfully, the Bulls should've known that keeping their core together for another year wouldn't result in wins, but the organization approached the season without entering a rebuilding phase.
Chicago's started the year with an 8-14 record. If the season ended today, the Bulls would be out of range of the Play-In Tournament. It'd be malpractice if the front office decided not to make several trades leading up to the deadline.
Knicks reportedly haven't engaged in "advanced" trade talks with Bulls
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan's futures have dominated the headlines. Both have been connected to New York, although LaVine's camp is reportedly against a trade to the Knicks. Apparently, every other team is against a LaVine trade, as he currently doesn't have a trade market. It doesn't help that he'll be out for a few weeks due to right foot inflammation.
DeRozan is in the last year of his contract, and he's set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. He has a better market than LaVine. The veteran reportedly has the Knicks and Heat at the top of his trade destination wishlist. However, according to SNY's Ian Begley, New York hasn't engaged in advanced trade talks with Chicago about DeRozan (or LaVine).
That could change between now and the deadline, but it's a good sign that the Knicks are remaining patient and not going after every star that could be traded. Fans are getting antsy waiting for New York to make its big move. While that's understandable, Leon Rose and Co. have to make sure that before making a trade, it'll better the team, not set the organization back.
There will be plenty more trade rumors in the coming weeks. Maybe the Knicks will make their move before Feb. 8, or maybe it'll come in the offseason. For now, be glad that New York isn't being impulsive.