The New York Knicks are off to a shaky start this season, sitting at 5-5 after beating the 76ers in Joel Embiid’s season debut.
In the offseason, they went all-in by trading for Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, hoping to build a powerhouse starting lineup. To land Towns, they sent Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick to the Timberwolves. For Bridges, they shipped off Bojan Bogdanovic and five first-round picks to the Nets. While these moves brought star power, they also gutted the team’s depth.
Now, the bench is averaging a league-low 19.9 points per game, leaving the starters with little support. To turn things around, the Knicks need to make some savvy trades to bolster their bench and provide the scoring punch they’re currently missing.
Tre Mann Could Really Shine In New York
Knicks receive: Tre Mann
Hornets receive: Tyler Kolek, Cameron Payne, Matt Ryan, 2025 second-round pick (via DET)
Tre Mann has been on fire off the bench for the Hornets this season, surprising everyone with his scoring punch and all-around play. He’s putting up 15.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, shooting a solid 45.8% from the field. Those are legit numbers for a guy who’s coming in as a backup, and it’s clear he’s got way more to offer than Charlotte can handle right now. With LaMelo Ball running the show, Mann just isn’t getting the spotlight he deserves—and that’s where the Knicks could swoop in and give him the stage he’s looking for.
This trade would bring Mann to New York on an expiring contract, meaning he’ll be a restricted free agent soon. That’s perfect for the Knicks—they’d have the chance to match any offers next season and keep him if things work out. And let’s be real: they need him. The Knicks’ bench has been struggling hard, ranking dead last in scoring, and Mann could be the go-to guy they’re missing. Imagine him as the sixth man, coming in alongside Miles McBride in the backcourt, bringing instant offense and giving New York some much-needed energy off the bench.
In New York, Mann would have the chance to be the primary scoring option off the bench, something he’s shown he can handle with ease. His ability to create his own shot and keep defenses on their toes would finally give the Knicks some bench depth and versatility. Right now, when the starters rest, the offense stalls—Mann could change all that.
For Charlotte, this deal also makes sense. They’d get Tyler Kolek, Cameron Payne, Matt Ryan, and a future second-round pick, which fits with their rebuilding mindset. For the Knicks, Mann could be the missing piece to a bench that’s seriously lacking in firepower. It’s a win-win all around.
Boosting The Bench With Malik Beasley
Knicks receive: Malik Beasley
Pistons receive: Jericho Sims, Cameron Payne, Tyler Kolek, 2025 first-round pick (via DET)
The Knicks could shake things up by bringing in Malik Beasley from the Detroit Pistons. Beasley has been a bright spot in Detroit’s season, offering reliable shooting and scoring that could immediately bolster New York’s struggling bench. So far this season, Beasley is averaging 12.8 points per game and shooting 35.8% from three-point range—just the kind of production the Knicks need to keep their second unit competitive.
Currently, the Pistons sit 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, with a record of 5-7, as they focus on development and continue rebuilding around young stars like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. For them, Beasley is an expendable asset, especially considering they’d receive several useful assets in return, including a first-round pick and young players like Jericho Sims, who could fit into their long-term plans.
For the Knicks, this trade addresses their bench woes head-on. By adding a player like Beasley, known for his scoring ability and three-point shooting, the Knicks would finally have a reliable scoring option off the bench. Beasley’s experience and quick-release shooting would complement New York’s system and allow them to better compete in tight games where bench production is crucial.
A Scoring Menace Might Be Born In Brandon Boston Jr.
Knicks receive: Brandon Boston Jr.
Pelicans receive: Pacome Dadiet, 2025 first-round pick (via Detroit)
The New York Knicks might be looking to inject some life into their bench by targeting Brandon Boston Jr., a young player with big potential on the New Orleans Pelicans. If the Pelicans continue to struggle with injuries and can’t make a serious playoff push, they might consider moving a breakout player like Boston Jr. to focus on the future. He’s shown flashes of serious scoring ability this season, averaging numbers like 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, all while shooting efficiently. His potential as an instant scoring threat off the bench could be exactly what the Knicks need.
The Pelicans are currently battling injuries to some of its most crucial players. Zion Williamson is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury, a devastating blow to the Pelicans’ hopes of making a strong playoff push, while Dejounte Murray is still recovering from a hand fracture in their season opener. CJ McCollum, the veteran leader, is sidelined with an ankle sprain that’s projected to keep him off the court for a few weeks. Then there’s Herb Jones, who’s been dealing with a strained shoulder and a minor rotator cuff tear, putting his return timeline at roughly 2-4 weeks. Jose Alvarado is also out with a hamstring issue, and Jordan Hawkins is nursing a hip injury, further limiting the Pelicans’ roster. With such significant injuries, the Pelicans have struggled to keep up in the Western Conference, and their 3-8 record reflects the toll these absences have taken.
That’s where a young player like Brandon Boston Jr. could come into play. His potential to develop into a solid scoring option off the bench might appeal to the Knicks, who are struggling, barely putting up 19.9 points per game. Boston Jr. could slide right into a sixth-man role, giving the Knicks a much-needed boost of offense and depth. Imagine him teaming up with players like Miles McBride, which could create a dynamic second unit, adding energy and scoring consistency that the Knicks have been lacking.
For the Pelicans, a potential trade of Boston Jr. might involve a young prospect like Pacome Dadiet and a valuable 2025 first-round pick from Detroit, a deal that could help them focus on building a stronger foundation for the future. If they decide to lean into a longer-term plan, acquiring picks and young assets makes sense, especially if they’re unable to keep their core healthy.
The Knicks would benefit by landing a young talent with potential upside, while the Pelicans would gain a valuable draft pick and flexibility to rebuild or retool around their core. It’s a potential win-win scenario: the Knicks address their bench scoring woes with an emerging player, and the Pelicans build for a future where their roster might finally have the health and depth they need to compete.
