The New York Knicks are a team that many people are keeping an eye on ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. They have cemented themselves as one of the best teams in the league over the last month, going on a tear in January that has elevated them into the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Even with this stretch of success, it is clear the Knicks have a few small needs on the roster. It wouldn’t hurt to find another big man for insurance in the front court, but they desperately need another playmaker and shot-creator.
A lot of pressure was already on Jalen Brunson to lead the offense, but that pressure has risen with the injury to Julius Randle. He is the sole offensive hub the team has, as his teammates play off of him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, New York Knicks Updates
The offense hasn’t slowed down without Randle, as other players have stepped up in the absence of him and OG Anunoby. But it is certainly a need to find another ball-handler. Don’t forget, the Knicks have the assets to go hunting for a star should one come available.
While a smaller move is likely what the team is looking for ahead of the deadline, if the right All-Star becomes available, don’t put it past Leon Rose to make a deal. Could that ideal player be Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat?
As shared by Bovada, via The Dunk Central on X, the Knicks are the odds-on favorites to acquire Butler should the Heat look to trade him. They have +210 odds, followed by the Philadelphia 76ers with +255 and Sacramento Kings at +325.
It would be truly shocking to see Pat Riley come together on a deal with the Knicks. Trading away his best player to arguably his most bitter rival would certainly be a shocking turn of events. Riley had some great seasons coaching the Knicks, but how things turned out with him ending up in Miami, there may not be a bigger rivalry in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, New York Knicks Updates
Alas, there have recently been some NBA analysts who believe the Heat should look to trade Butler, providing him a chance to contend. Miami is riding a seven-game losing streak which has dropped them to seventh in the Eastern Conference.
Their trade for Terry Rozier has not been a positive one yet, as Rozier is struggling to find a rhythm with his new team. Still, 4.5 games clear of the 11th-place Brooklyn Nets, the Heat, at the very least, should be in the NBA Play-In Tournament. But, with each passing day, it is fair to question if they are contender-worthy.
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