The New York Knicks are a team that everyone is keeping an eye on ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. They have been one of the best teams in the league in 2024, but it is clear they have some needs to address.
The biggest one is another shot-creator. The results since acquiring OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors have been magnificent. But, they have yet to replace the instant offense and shot creation Immanuel Quickley brought to the team behind Jalen Brunson.
As a result, the Knicks have been connected to backcourt players such as Jordan Clarkson, Malcolm Brogdon and Dejounte Murray. Alas, that isn’t the only need New York has heading into the deadline on Thursday afternoon.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: P.J. Washington, Charlotte Hornets, 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, New York Knicks Updates
With Julius Randle being sidelined by a shoulder injury, their lack of depth at power forward has been exposed. It hasn’t helped that Anunoby, who has played backup power forward minutes since being acquired, has been sidelined for the last four games with Randle.
New York has received excellent contributions from Achiuwa stepping into the starting lineup for Randle, but his limitations have been clear. He provides energy and effort on the glass and as a rim protector but isn’t the offensive threat Randle is.
To be fair, there aren’t many players in the NBA capable of providing what Randle does on offense with the gravity he has and his diverse skill set. But, the offense has stalled out more than once as teams can ignore Achiuwa and Josh Hart, the starting forwards with Anunoby and Randle sidelined, on the perimeter.
If either of those players knocks down 3-pointers, you tip your cap to them and dare them to keep doing it. That is why it should come as no surprise that the Knicks, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, have been connected to P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets.
“The Knicks have shown legitimate interest in Washington, sources said, as they examine their options. The Knicks appear more interested in Toronto guard Bruce Brown Jr., for whom the Raptors are seeking some return in the range of a first-round pick, compared to Atlanta’s steeper asking price of two picks and then some for Murray,” Fischer wrote.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: P.J. Washington, Charlotte Hornets, 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, New York Knicks Updates
Washington is a 36.1 career shooter from 3-point range, as he would provide New York with a different skill set in the frontcourt. His ability to play either power forward or center would be nice for the Knicks to have as well. He can provide insurance for Randle while also providing spot minutes in the middle depending on the situation.
Leon Rose is armed with the assets to pull off a trade ahead of the deadline. Evan Fournier’s contract is one of the best trade chips in the NBA as he is essentially on an expiring contract. The Knicks also have a ton of draft capital, which comes in handy at this point in the season.
Washington did sign a three-year, $46 million contract in August, so he fits the mold as the type of player Rose is seeking ahead of the deadline. He wants to make sure the player is under contract beyond the 2023-24 campaign so that he can include them in trade talks this offseason. Also, it provides the team some insurance with several key contributors set to hit free agency this summer.
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