Obi Toppin – New York Knicks

Seeing as they are going to be targeting building blocks for the future success of this organization, the Thunder could look to target Knicks’ forward Obi Toppin ahead of this season’s trade deadline. 

Toppin was drafted 8th overall last season and is a fan-favorite of Knicks fans, but Obi Toppin’s ceiling in New York is limited right now because of all the talent they have in their frontcourt. Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Taj Gibson and Nerlens Noel all take up a huge chunk of minutes in the Knicks; frontcourt, leaving minimal time for Obi Toppin. 

However, the young forward is averaging 15 minutes per game this season and has received a steady role in this team’s second-unit given all of their injuries to guys like Gibson, Robinson and Noel. 

What to do with Obi Toppin is definitely a key conversation topic in New York, but they do not seem too interested in moving him at this time. Teams did inquire about his availability around this past year’s draft, but the Knicks were not willing to trade Toppin then, so it is unlikely they will look to do so now. 

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From the Thunder’s standpoint, they should definitely have interest in a young, athletic player like Obi Toppin, but they do not necessarily need him. Adding more frontcourt talent is something the Thunder will look to do this season and next season as well, but they will have plenty of opportunities to add young, dynamic talents through the draft. 

With the rights to four picks this season (three being first-round picks), the Thunder can easily use two of these picks on frontcourt additions, meaning that they would not have to give up any of their current young talents or draft picks to get someone like Obi Toppin. 

This is definitely not a bad move for the Thunder to make, but they have better opportunities being presented to them right now to build their frontcourt of the future. 

Verdict: Pass