Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal 

With that said, Toppin is no small loss either. The young forward still has plenty of potential. 

On the other hand, he doesn’t appear likely to meet it in New York. Toppin has been stuck behind Julius Randle in this team’s rotation since they drafted him. If they intend on continuing in their commitment to the veteran, they might as well free Toppin. 

With that said, this deal serves to bury Robinson behind a veteran. That’s fine. Turner is an upgrade. He’s a marginally better rim protector, and the gap between his and Robinson’s shooting is far wider than any that exists in their pick-and-roll finishing. 

With Turner approaching a new contract, this is a risk for the Knicks. Still, he ought to make this team much better in 2022-23.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & New York Knicks Updates

If he feels like he’s building something with New York, they’ll have an inside track on retaining him in free agency. 

Should the Pacers part with him before making their own effort to retain him?