The New York Knicks got to work on Wednesday night upgrading their roster for the stretch run of the season. They acquired Josh Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Cam Reddish and a protected 2023 first-round pick.
Hart will be an instant upgrade to the lineup as he brings a lot to the table that Tom Thibodeau loves. He has a relentless motor, is a hard worker and is the kind of glue guy that all successful teams have in their rotation. However, there are some questions about where he fits into the lineup.
Thibodeau has been running a tight nine-man rotation for more than two months. Who will have their role changed or lose minutes now that Hart is in the mix? That has led many to believe that the Knicks are going to make more deals ahead of the deadline Thursday afternoon. That could very well happen.
According to Ian Begley of SNY.tv, the Knicks are still receiving calls on Obi Toppin, with the Indiana Pacers being one of the teams registering interest. Indiana has been seeking an upgrade to their power forward position and Toppin would be a great fit in their up-tempo attack led by All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley & New York Knicks Updates
But, the asking price for Toppin is substantial according to Begley, so it will take a big offer for the Knicks to part ways with him. A player who is more easily attainable is veteran point guard Derrick Rose.
Rose has been out of the rotation since Thibodeau dropped to nine players, appearing in only five games since December 3rd. Unless multiple injuries occur, Rose is likely to remain out of the rotation in New York.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley & New York Knicks Updates
According to Begley, one of the teams that have checked in on Rose’s availability is the Sacramento Kings. Rose could be a nice fit on their second unit, but the team seems to be set already with De’Aaron Fox playing at an All-Star level and Davion Mitchell behind him on the depth chart.
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