The New York Knicks already pulled off what could be one of the biggest trades in the NBA this season, acquiring OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. It is a deal that both teams have benefitted from as the Knicks are 4-0 since the deal and the Raptors are 3-1 with Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett thriving in their new roles.
While Toronto is heading into a bit of a rebuild with a new core, New York is looking to cement their status as a top team in the Eastern Conference. The acquisition of Anunoby has helped in that process, but many NBA analysts believe that was only the first step in their plan.
By not including any first-round picks, the Knicks retained enough valuable assets to pull off some more deals soon. What could their next move be? NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN laid out what their potential plans could be.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Leon Rose, Adrian Wojnarowski, New York Knicks Updates
What Wojnarowski reports for the Knicks should be paid attention to because he is a CAA client. CAA has deep roots within the organization, as team president Leon Rose used to be a big-time agent there and he remains well-connected around the league.
Per Wojnarowski, via Big Knicks Energy on X, the first step will be making another addition ahead of the deadline. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn can all be useful pieces, but the team is seeking another shot creator.
Trading Quickley opened up a huge void on the second unit behind Jalen Brunson. The team needs another player who can run the offense and keep things afloat whenever Brunson and Julius Randle are on the bench. Ideally, that player will be on a contract that their current team sees value in but won’t be able to keep because of luxury tax restrictions.
Second, the Knicks will look to make their big blockbuster splash in the summer. New York will be keeping an eye on players who could ask out in the offseason should their team come up short in the postseason.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Leon Rose, Adrian Wojnarowski, New York Knicks Updates
Some players who could fit that bill, as shared by BKE, is Devin Booker, Paul George, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zion Williamson.
At one point or another, nearly every player listed has been linked to the Knicks. Back in the Phil Jackson days, Booker was who he was targeting in negotiations with the Suns centered around Kristaps Porzingis. Williamson has been linked to the Knicks since he declared for the NBA Draft back in 2019 but the lottery balls did not fall their way.
George, Mitchell and Towns have all been linked to the Knicks as trade options since last summer. Wiggins is the only player who hasn’t been linked to New York, but given the current outlook of the Golden State Warriors, something could change there sooner rather than later.
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