The New York Knicks made their first move ahead of the NBA trade deadline by acquiring Josh Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers. Cam Reddish and a protected 2023 first-round pick are on their way to the greater northwest.
While the acquisition of Hart is certainly a positive one for the team, it brought about more questions than answers for the franchise. Trading away a player that is outside of the rotation for one that will presumably have a large role could be difficult to navigate.
Many people have wondered if the Knicks were done making moves, as something has to give. Based on recent reports, it sounds like Leon Rose and company are working on something substantial.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Knicks are engaged in trade talks with the Chicago Bulls on a deal centered around former All-Star Zach LaVine. There have been reports in recent days that LaVine isn’t being taken off the table in trade talks and the report from Cowley would confirm that.
Getting back to the negotiating table after breaking off talks Wednesday night would give some credence to both sides wanting to get a deal done. If things don’t progress with the Bulls, New York could always turn their attention to the Toronto Raptors and OG Anunoby.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors & Chicago Bulls Updates
According to Matt Moore of The Action Network, the Knicks are one of the teams that have a significant offer on the table for Anunoby. It was reported recently that New York was the team that put three first-round picks on the table to land the emerging two-way player.
One of the holdups from the Knicks’ side in any trade talks, also from Moore, is the internal debate about whether or not to include Immanuel Quickley in a deal. Quickley has emerged as a key part of their rotation, capable of thriving in the starting lineup or off the bench. He has improved his playmaking and ball handling and is an elite, versatile defender.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors & Chicago Bulls Updates
It would be fair to think that everyone outside of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle could be made available by the Knicks. There is an opening to rise in the Eastern Conference and it sounds like they are looking to seize that opportunity.
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