After three consecutive losses, the New York Knicks desperately need to address their deficiencies. The inconsistencies the team has displayed this year are unsustainable if they want to make the postseason, so the trade deadline may offer their best opportunity to bolster the starting team and make a legitimate push, having fallen out of the play-in tournament.
The Knicks have been connected to several different players in recent weeks, offering different styles of play and skill sets to complement the current starters on the roster.
Three moves the Knicks could make at the deadline to improve the roster:
1.) Myles Turner
Myles Turner and the Knicks have been linked since last season, and before he sustained an injury recently, there was a strong possibility the front office made a run at the Indiana Pacers big man.
Pacers center Myles Turner is expected to be sidelined beyond the February 10 NBA trade deadline, sources tell ESPN. Team says he will be re-examined in two weeks, but teams interested in trading for Turner will have to do due diligence on injury as they weigh offers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 18, 2022
Turner is a unique center, averaging 12.9 points, 2.8 blocks, and 7.1 rebounds per game. He’s also shooting 33% from deep this season, averaging 4.4 attempts per game. Turner is converting 50.9% of his shots from the field, but his stellar defense makes him an incredible asset.
However, Mitchell Robinson has performed well as of late, and the most glaring position of need remains point guard with Derrick Rose rehabilitating from ankle surgery.
Given the timetable for return that Turner is looking at, the Knicks are better off steering clear and targeting an option that can make an impact immediately.
2.) Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson to the Knicks is picking up steam with the severe need at PG. Rose is expected to miss at least six more weeks, and veteran Kemba Walker is battling a left knee injury, relying on Immanuel Quickley and Alec Burks to handle the majority of PG duties.
Brunson is having a career season, averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 assists, and shooting 50% from the field. While his three-point percentage has dipped to 33% from 40% last season, he is still an adequate point guard who offers solid facilitation and can complement the Knicks’ starters.
Ultimately, any player who can take the load off Julius Randle’s shoulders will significantly impact New York. The Knicks were recently fined $25K for refusing to let Randle speak to the media, accepting the fine rather than promoting another outburst after a problematic four-point performance against New Orleans on Thursday night.
Brunson would bring youth and energy to the team and cover-up Rose’s absence in the meantime.
3.) De’Aaron Fox
If the Knicks want to go with a more pricey route, De’Aaron Fox could be a potential trade target. Fox doesn’t necessarily fit the three-point shooting role the Knicks are looking for, but he is an elite scorer from the mid-range and driving to the basket. This season, he’s averaging 21 points, 5.2 assists, and shooting 46% from the field.
The Sacramento Kings recently floated the idea of trading Fox in exchange for Domantas Sabonis of the Indiana Pacers. If they are willing to trade him for a solid big man, the Knicks could look to part ways with some of their younger players and acquire Fox, who is currently on a five-year, $163 million deal. He is projected to earn $30 million next season, so the Knicks would be heavily investing in his further development.