Knicks still ‘eyeing’ Victor Oladipo ahead of trade deadline

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 8: Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 8, 2021 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

There is no question the New York Knicks could use a player upgrade before the March 27 trade deadline. They’ve been connected with a bevy of star players, including Zach LaVine, Bradley Beal, and more.

However, one name continues to return back, and it is Victor Oladipo of the Houston Rockets. With the Rockets potentially looking to shed some weight and add draft capital, Oladipo could be on his way out within the next few days. He’s averaging 21.1 points over 32.9 minutes this season, but his injury history is a bit toxic. The former Indiana Pacer hasn’t played over 36 games since 2017 but went on the floor, he is an offensive producer. Averaging over 20 points per game is exactly what the Knicks need from a player-acquisition, as better teams with stronger defenses are simply phasing out Julius Randle.

There are still players available for the taking, and it is clear the Knicks will be involved until the final day.

According to Ian Begley, the Knicks are still in the market for a productive player to add to their roster.

“You’d expect the Knicks to continue to be aggressive and try to find ways to upgrade their roster via trade”

Coming up short in back-to-back losses against playoff-caliber teams, the Knicks feel good about their current roster, especially with Derrick Rose on the return. However, they lack that extra star to push them over the edge, especially one that can hit clutch shots at the end of games.

Randle hasn’t had much success closing out contests with the ball in his hands, and Immanuel Quickley launched a three-pointer which fell to waste against the 76ers. Those few additional points are the difference between winning and losing, and Tom Thibodeau has done such a fantastic job putting this team together; adding one more piece could be the final catalyst.

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