The New York Knicks were the best team in the NBA following their trade with the Toronto Raptors ahead of the New Year. Inserting OG Anunoby into the starting lineup in place of RJ Barrett, who was part of the return package to Toronto, improved the team’s performance on both ends of the court.
However, that deal also created another hole in the lineup. Along with Barrett, the Knicks sent Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors to get the trade done. Without Quickley, New York was lacking another facilitator and shot creator behind Jalen Brunson.
While the need was apparent, it was covered up a bit by the team going 5-0 out of the gate with Anunoby. However, with Brunson sidelined in the last two games because of a calf injury, the need for another shot-creator has been glaring.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Quentin Grimes & New York Knicks Updates
New York’s offense has been abysmal in the two games without Brunson, scoring 106 points in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies and 94 in a loss to the Orlando Magic. This was a chance for Julius Randle to step up and lead the team but he fell woefully short.
He admitted his performance against the Grizzlies was poor and followed it up with another inexcusable effort against the Magic. Randle did turn his ankle early in the game, but that cannot excuse his effort, or lack thereof, in its entirety.
The Knicks are working the phones looking to fill the voids on their roster. But, to acquire talent, you need to surrender something as well. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knicks aren’t currently willing to part with unprotected first-round picks, but a deal similar to last year, when they acquired Josh Hart, is on the table.
Who could fill the part of Cam Reddish in such a deal? According to Katz, that player could be Quentin Grimes. “The Knicks are actively fielding offers for the former first-round pick, according to rival executives who have been in contact with New York’s front office,” Katz wrote.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Quentin Grimes & New York Knicks Updates
Grimes’ role with the team has changed drastically since he was reportedly held out of Donovan Mitchell trade talks during the 2022 offseason. He is no longer the starting shooting guard, a role held by Donte DiVincenzo.
Coming off the bench, he has seen his role shrink as DiVincenzo and Hart soak up minutes on the wing. Tom Thibodeau is hesitant to play Grimes and DiVincenzo for too many minutes together because of a lack of size, a core value that at times has limited New York’s rotational flexibility.
Even with Brunson out and Hart not having as positive of an impact, Gimes has still struggled to see extended minutes. Potentially buried on the bench, it would make sense for the Knicks to explore filling another hole on the roster using Grimes and Evan Fournier’s contract if Thibodeau isn’t going to give him extended minutes even when the opportunity presents itself.
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