New York Knicks Receive: G Victor Oladipo, HOU 2021 2nd Round Pick, HOU 2023 1st Round Pick
Houston Rockets Receive: G Immanuel Quickley, F Kevin Knox, G Frank Ntilikina, LAC 2021 1st Round Pick (via NYK), DAL 2021 1st Round Pick (via NYK)
If they are to keep both R.J. Barrett and Julius Randle when trading for Victor Oladipo, then the Knicks will have to offer up plenty of their young talent for Houston to choose from. They most likely will not include Obi Toppin in this list of players as well, making Immanuel Quickley one of the only high-level, young assets the Knicks could offer up to potentially make this trade possible.
After being drafted 25th overall in this past year’s draft, Immanuel Quickley was a player many slept on, but he has had a tremendous start to his rookie season. In 31 games off-the-bench, Quickley is averaging 12.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and is shooting 38.4% from three-point range. Not to mention, he leads all rookies in free throws made and free throw attempts this season.
Immanuel Quickley has been playing with a chip-on-his-shoulder this year after being slept on by numerous teams around the league and with the Knicks, has carved out an important role on the bench. They would be very hesitant to give him up as a result, but Victor Oladipo is an All-Star level talent that could bring this organization to new heights.
The Knicks have not been to the playoffs since 2013, but by adding Victor Oladipo to their roster with Randle and Barrett, there is no reason this team would not be a playoff team. With New York’s focus being on the defensive-end of the court, Oladipo would be a perfect fit because of his two-way play.
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Not too long ago, the 2x All-Star led the league in steals and was named to the All-Defensive team. He is more than capable of helping the Knicks be an even better defensive team than they already are and could give them that other high-level scorer they need to be a legit threat come playoff time.
They would have to give up a lot to acquire him, but if New York is truly invested in their current team and looking to maximize the potential they have this season, then trading for Victor Oladipo is the only move that makes sense for them at the trade deadline. With that being said, let’s take a closer look as to why exactly this trade makes sense for the Knicks and the Rockets.
