The New York Knicks have been active in the market, recently acquiring Derrick Rose in a trade with the Detroit Pistons and signing Taj Gibson, a veteran center that has familiarity with head coach Tom Thibodeau. Some would say that Thibodeau is putting the old band back together, but his plan is clearly working as the Knicks have won three straight games and recently tortured the Atlanta Hawks 123-112 in a win on Monday evening.
The injection of Rose and Gibson has helped the Knicks stabilize, as Julius Randle put together a 44 point performance in the victory, including nine rebounds. RJ Barrett also posted 21 points and Immanuel Quickley 16, showing that their youth is also getting involved.
Are the New York Knicks close to being a ‘quality’ team?
You could make the argument that the Knicks are one star player away from being a quality team, which brings up the idea of striking another trade in the coming days. If they were able to acquire a star player, there’s a good chance the Knicks could make the post-season this year, which would be a minor miracle for most fans who’ve been waiting patiently for things to turn around.
There are a few assets the team can part ways with in a trade, and it starts with Kevin Knox, who is only 21 years old.
The Knicks haven’t parted ways with Knox just yet, as they are looking for the right deal to include him in. He’s only played in 22 games this year, averaging 16.9 minutes per, 5.6 points, and 2.2 total rebounds. His production doesn’t exactly scream efficiency, but considering his youth, there will be a team out there that believes they can develop him and make him an adequate player. The reality is, he doesn’t fit the Knicks’ system right now, as they are playing more small ball with Rose and Quickley in the backcourt.
Marc Berman of the NY Post stated:
The Pistons preferred Knox be included in the Rose trade, but the Knicks may be saving him for another deal.