The New York Knicks are set up pretty well for a playoff run. Karl-Anthony Towns has been magnificent all year and after a slow start, Mikal Bridges is rounding into form. Adding those two to their core from last season looks like an excellent risk. The Knicks are currently the third seed in the East at 25-14. Unfortunately, their current roster, although better than last season, is running the risk of repeating last year’s result of an early playoff flameout. Injuries caused the depth to suffer for the Knicks, and this season they aren’t getting much from their bench. Let’s look at some Knicks trade targets that could help them add more depth.
New York Knicks Need To Trade For More Depth
The Knicks Depth Chart Is Too Shallow
The Knicks have an incredible core five. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby, along with the acquisitions of Towns and Bridges, have proven to be a formidable squad. That being said, we’ve seen this recipe from a Tom Thibodeau-coached team before.
Thibodeau is known to rely heavily on his starters. It usually results in excellent regular season teams that often don’t have enough gas at the end of the year to make it to the NBA Finals. This happened with the Bulls when he coached there, and it happened last season with the Knicks as well. This is why there needs to be some Knicks trade targets that focus on depth.
It doesn’t seem like Thibodeau has learned from his mistakes. Bridges and Hart lead the league in minutes, while Anunoby and Brunson are in the top 25. This heavy reliance on starters is all the more reason the Knicks depth chart needs another guy (or two).
Knicks Aren’t Afraid To Make A Trade
The Knicks showed this offseason that they are willing to make big moves to win now. Their names have to be watched when it comes to the NBA trade rumors. We are now well into the NBA’s trade window, and with the 2025 trade deadline less than a month away, the Knicks may need to get going.
Because of the Knicks trades for Towns and Bridges, the Knicks no longer have a ton to offer on the trade market. This limits the options of who they could acquire. Although the Knicks potential trade targets may not have sexy names, there is depth to be found. The Knicks specifically will need to look at cheaper centers as their front court depth is lacking, and that is often where the bargains are found.
Possible Knicks Trade Targets
With Mitchell Robinson still injured, the Knicks could definitely use some depth at the center position. One name to watch is Nick Richards. Evan Sidrey of Forbes reported that the Knicks were on the list of teams interested in Richards. His price likely isn’t that high and the Knicks could use his help as a backup big.
Another player that could help the Knicks is Isaiah Stewart. Stewart would instantly become a fan-favorite in New York due to his hustle and no-nonsense attitude. On top of that, the Knicks could use his help in the paint and on the defensive end. He is the perfect Thibodeau player.
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