The New York Knicks have never been hotter than right now, holding the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 17-7 record. Despite a plethora of injuries across the roster, the Knicks have seemingly figured it out, winning eight of their last nine games and sitting near the top of the basketball world.
Although it might seem as if nothing should change, the Knicks are constantly looking to improve their roster, even if that means listening to offers on the trade market. While the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, and Anthony Davis have been photoshopped into a Knicks uniform, it’s time to take a look at who the front office would realistically take a jab at.
Why not enlist the help of our KFTV staff to see who they believe New York should target this season?
Jose Alvarado
Possible framework: Tyler Kolek and Pacome Dadiet for Jose Alvarado
Joseph: Alvarado has been one of the most popular names circling the Knicks trade market, and I’m absolutely here for it! He brings an added layer of defense and non-hesitant shot-making that’s currently lacking from Kolek. Not to mention: Grand Theft Alvarado is a born and bred New Yorker. Get that man a pair of Timbs.
Nick Richards
Possible framework: Guerschon Yabusele and two seconds for Nick Richards
Jalen: If the Phoenix Suns could get a few second-round picks (and Yabu) in return for soon-to-be-free-agent Nick Richards, I think that’s a win. Richards would provide great insurance for Mitchell Robinson, and the Knicks could get a look at his fit before deciding which center to re-sign this summer.
Donte DiVincenzo
Possible framework: Mitchell Robinson and Pacome Dadiet for Donte DiVincenzo and Terrance Shannon Jr.
Joseph: Bring him home! Donte DiVincenzo has been another name the Knicks have reached out to regarding a trade, and it’s everything this team needs. The Villanova boys can once again reunite in full through this trade, giving the bench more of a slasher with more consistent three-point shooting on the way. Shannon Jr. would add a bit of spice in the youth department and has shown value if given a real chance. Donte would no longer be known as the greatest Knick to play only one season.
Saddiq Bey
Possible framework: Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet for Saddiq Bey and Karlo Matković
Jalen: Why not add another former Villanova Wildcat? Although not the greatest individual shooter or defender, he’s servicable at both and certainly suitable to provide depth behind Mikal, OG, and Hart. He’s making a little over $6 million this year and next, so the salary cap gymnastics won’t have to be too complex.
Saddiq Bey + Kevon Looney
Possible framework: Deuce McBride, Guerschon Yabusele, Tyler Kolek, and Landry Shamet for Saddiq Bey and Kevon Looney
Geoff: Bey is a six-foot-eight wing having a good season on a god-awful team. He instantly improves the Knicks' wing depth, both offensively and defensively. And although no one will mistake Looney for a spring chicken, he was a solid defensive anchor during those Warriors title runs, and he would serve as a valuable mentor for Mitch.
Drew Eubanks
Possible framework: Guerschon Yabusele for Drew Eubanks
Jalen: Eubanks has been a decent backup big his whole career. Though a bit undersized, he can block shots and rebound. The real benefit of trading Yabu for Eubanks is that it would create up to $3 million in space below the second apron, giving the Knicks money to be aggressive on the buyout market. By the February deadline, New York could make wink-wink deals with veterans on the cusp of being released, similar to the smoothness of the Jordan Clarkson signing this summer.
PJ Washington
Possible framework: Mitchell Robinson and Tyler Kolek for PJ Washington
Geoff: If you want wing depth, it's going to cost you. Trading Mitch means leaning into a "five-out" offense as much as possible, with KAT primarily playing the five. The Mavericks just lost Derrick Lively II to a season-ending injury, and desperately need a big who can rim protect. The Knicks get a proven shooter with size who played a major role in the Mavs' Finals run two seasons ago.
Ayo Dosunmu
Possible framework: Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet for Ayo Dosunmu
Joseph: If the Knicks truly want to dump Yabusele while also giving Dadiet a role somewhere else, it might as well be for Ayo Dosunmu. The 6’5” wing of the Chicago Bulls is currently in a weird mix, given the rise of Coby White and Josh Giddey, leaving his next destination somewhere else. Currently having his best career season, the Knicks should look to be aggressive in a trade, even if it means giving up young talent in the process.
Derrick Jones Jr.
Possible framework: Deuce McBride, Guerschon Yabusele, and Ariel Hukporti for Derrick Jones Jr.
Geoff: I absolutely hate losing Deuce in this deal, but we're most likely not going to be able to pay him what he's worth during his next negotiation, and we desperately need size and athleticism at the wing positions. Jones, six-foot-six, is averaging 10.5 ppg, while shooting 53.3% from the field and 34.8% from the three-point line.
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