The Knicks made a shocking move in the trade market by trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for two-way swingman OG Anunoby. However, they are not done making trades yet and will want to analyze their roster and break down which players will likely be moved for the sake of roster improvement. Make no mistake, Knicks fans want them to compete for an NBA title as soon as possible.
We have already seen the breakdown of the Lakers’ deadline guide and now it is time to focus on the Knicks who seem to be hungry for some more moves. In this February Trade Deadline guide, we will present trade candidates, realistic targets, and untouchable players for the New York Knicks.
Trade Candidates
– Julius Randle ($28,226,880), Evan Fournier ($18,857,143), Mitchell Robinson ($15,681,818), Josh Hart ($12,960,000), Donte DiVincenzo ($10,900,000), Isaiah Hartenstein ($9,245,121), Ryan Arcidiacono ($2,528,233), Quentin Grimes ($2,385,720)
The Knicks are happy with Julius Randle’s contributions this season, and the past few seasons in particular, because the big man is a two-time All-Star who is averaging 24.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this season. The Knicks want to keep Randle for obvious reasons but if a blockbuster deal is available and the big man has to be moved, that would have to be the case.
Evan Fournier is making nearly $19 million this season but has only played 29 games over the past two seasons in New York. Coach Tom Thibodeau is not fond of the sharpshooter and the Knicks franchise has been wanting to move on from him for a while. Averaging 37.8% from three over his career, the Frenchman has a team option next season and could be a valuable expiring asset as a result.
Mitchell Robinson is an active 7-footer who defends the rim but the problem has never been impact but rather his health. The center has only played at least 65 games twice in his career and is currently out for the season with an ankle injury. Similar to what the Boston Celtics did with Robert Williams, the Knicks might want to make a trade and effectively give up on praying for Mitchell’s health. At 25 years old, there might be some other teams wanting to gamble on the health of a player making $14,318,182 and $12,954,546 over the next two seasons.
Josh Hart is good enough to start in the NBA because he defends, rebounds, and spaces the floor. Hart is making up to $20 million by the 2026-27 season which is not that bad considering his impact. This season, the swingman is averaging 7.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game and he will only be included if it means significantly upgrading the roster because he is 28 years old and only going to get better.
Donte DiVincenzo is a clever basketball player and is having a career year by posting 10.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game this season for the Knicks. Shooting 44.3% from three, DiVincenzo can certainly contribute as a role player and that is why he is getting paid over $10 million this season. If the Knicks want depth after losing Immanuel Quickley, the former 2021 NBA champion can provide it.
Hartenstein might not be good enough to start in the NBA because of his defensive inefficiencies, but he is a big body who can bang down low and grab rebounds. Posting 6.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in only 22.9 minutes of action, Hartenstein contributes quickly on the boards but the Knicks will have no problem placing him in any deals to upgrade the roster.
Ryan Arcidiacono has appeared in 11 games so far and is not much more than a reserve player for the Knicks this season, meaning placing him in any deals won’t be an issue if it means sorting out salary matching. Quentin Grimes is the most valued role player for the Knicks because he is only 23 years old and is showing promise as a scorer. Posting 6.2 points per game this season, Grimes is very raw and can be molded into a good player in time.
Realistic Targets
– Zach LaVine ($40,064,220), Zion Williamson ($34,005,250), DeMar DeRozan ($28,600,000), Jerami Grant ($27,586,207), Dejounte Murray ($18,214,000)
Zach LaVine could be a blessing for the Knicks if they can get the deal for him right. Armed with speed, athleticism, and agility, the shooting guard can be the final piece toward creating a Big Four in New York alongside Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby. Averaging 21.0 points per game on 33.6% shooting from three this season, LaVine could be the final piece for the Knicks to realistically become a threat to make the Eastern Conference Finals.
Potential Trade Package: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bucks)
Zion Willamson is being linked heavily to the Knicks and a deal can likely be done to unite two parties that need each other. The Knicks need a bonafide superstar player to carry the franchise and without disrespect to Randle who is a two-time All-Star, Williamson’s potential is truly off the charts. In order to break media headlines and solidify their future, a trade for the former No. 1 overall pick would elevate the side in the near future while also making them more competitive now.
Potential Trade Package: Julius Randle, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bucks)
Remembering Zach LaVine’s team, DeMar DeRozan should be available by the 15-19 Chicago Bulls who look to be heading to the lottery. DeRozan is a six-time All-Star who is averaging 22.4 points per game this season on 45.5% from the field so he would fit into the Knicks’ roster as an isolation scorer and go-to option in the clutch. While DeRozan’s age could be a factor (34), if the Knicks can acquire him and still keep their current “Big Three”, then this would be a magical deal for them.
Potential Trade Package: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bucks)
There are a few teams linked to Dejounte Murray right now including the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Knicks are reportedly interested in the guard’s services. Murray competes on defense, is a capable ball-handler, and has shown he can play alongside a ball-dominant point guard. While Jalen Brunson isn’t as ball-dominant as Trae Young, he is still the point guard and Murray can fit alongside him as a shooter and slasher. If the Hawks want to trade Murray and start a rebuild, bringing back Grimes and two first-round picks would be a very solid deal for them.
Potential Trade Package: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bucks)
The Portland Trail Blazers are not a great team, holding a 9-23 record and trying to find ways to rebuild around young players while accumulating draft assets. If the Knicks want to truly compete for an NBA title, they need to shore up their defense while also getting some shooting back after losing two of them in the Anunoby trade. Grant is the answer as he is posting 22.1 points per game on 41.7% from three this season, and Portland wouldn’t mind bringing Grimes on board with two first-round picks.
Potential Trade Package: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bucks)
Untouchable Players
– Jalen Brunson ($26,346,666)
Jalen Brunson is the only untouchable player on the roster right now because the Knicks won’t be able to find another All-Star point guard who is averaging 25.6 points and 6.2 assists per game for them and still making under $25 million next season. Brunson is a leader on the team and their best offensive creator and any chance the Knicks have in competing relies on keeping the former No. 33 overall pick. As long as New York can bring on All-Star-caliber players and surround Brunson (27 years old) and Anunoby (26) with them, they will be in the hunt in the Eastern Conference for the next few years at least.
