The New York Knicks chose to remain largely unchanged at the trade deadline. Other than moving backup center Jericho Sims, the Knicks are banking on health and Mitchell Robinson‘s return as their big acquisition. Some may disagree, but the Knicks’ quiet deadline is the prudent approach.
The Knicks are well-placed in the top 3 in the East. They’re also free to attack the buy-out market in the coming days, having already done their heavy lifting in the offseason. Also, the financial realities of being just short of a second-apron team largely dissuaded them from taking on significant contracts. Unless they moved Robinson’s contract in a deal, would the Knicks have found an upgrade to him this deadline anyway? That’s likely Leon Rose’s reasoning for standing pat.
Furthermore, tradable assets this go around were limited after their substantial trade of Mikal Bridges for five first-round picks, along with the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
Another factor is the bench is starting to improve lately anyway; Miles McBride is a solid bench piece and Precious Achiuwa has been in spell-binding form in OG Anunoby‘s absence. Indeed, their bench scored 53 points in their win over the Grizzlies last week.
Not flashy, but a prudent approach.
Knicks Deadline Is Likely The Prudent Approach
Jericho Sims Traded
The Knicks shifted off their little-used backup center Jericho Sims to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team trade Wednesday night. Going the other way is veteran journeyman guard Delon Wright, and the draft rights to Hugo Besson, plus cash. At first glance, it appears an underwhelming return. Although perhaps Wright can provide solid minutes off the bench defensively. Maybe he pushes Landry Shamet out of the rotation. Obviously, his 2.5 points per game and 26% shooting are nothing to be excited about. However, he is regarded as a terrific perimeter defender and a solid pro. The Knicks are reportedly planning on holding on to him for now.
As for Basson, he is currently playing in Turkey, having been selected 58th overall in 2022 as a draft-and-stash player. He’s also turned some heads in Summer League.
Initially, the Knicks failed to get at least one second-round draft pick in return for Sims, who has upside at 26 years old is a disappointing return. Sims is athletically gifted and flashed some skills around the rim.
However, it’s hard to criticize it too much as his market wasn’t huge. I wasn’t as high on Sims as others, as he failed to take advantage of his opportunities under Thibodeau. Sims also has several holes in his game offensively and often left his feet on defense. Furthermore, Ariel Hukporti, the Knicks bruising rookie center, has outplayed Sims and replaced him in the minutes mix for Knicks bigs.
Much like the deadline, the move was a bit of a nothing-burger that will have no bearing on the rest of the season either way.
Knicks Banking On Big Mitch
This is a risk, but all things considered, likely the best approach. The Knicks badly need size, rim protection, defense, and help for KAT at the five. Mitchell Robinson provides all of this and more. Having returned to full contact training, his return feels imminent and he’ll be viewed as the major second-half acquisition.
If you are the Knicks front office, why make a move simply to make a move? Robinson’s trade value is down having missed the entire year to this point and much of last season’s. Thus, returns would likely be diminished for such a talented asset. At the end of the day, they would likely be looking for someone with his skillset anyway.
No doubt this is a risky proposition. There are legitimate concerns now about Mitch’s durability, including worry about Karl-Anthony Towns playing through his thumb injury.
Nevertheless, this is a calculated gamble. First of all, Robinson doesn’t have to play major minutes. Secondly, he can work his way back by backing up Towns or playing beside him in certain rotations. There isn’t much pressure on him as the Knicks are sitting very comfortably no. 3 in the East. Thus, they can take their time with the rationale that a fully healthy Mitch in the playoffs is invaluable.
Scouring the Buyout Market
Make no mistake, the Knicks need some depth to augment their bench. They appear light on the wings certainly. Thus, the buyout market is the next order of business.
According to insider Ian Begley on The Putback Podcast, the Knicks can only afford players who are bought out on contracts under $12.8 million due to their being over the Apron Tax. He suggested veteran T.J. Warren—already on their Westchester G-League squad—gets promoted, having impressed them on and off the court.
Available names that fit their needs and budget are; Torrey Craig, Daniel Theis, Chris Duarte, and P.J. Tucker.
Tucker’s defensive IQ is through the roof, he’s a beast on that end of the court despite being at the tail end of his career. Theis is a solid option as a backup ‘5,’ having been waived by the Thunder. However, Chris Boucher is another talented name to keep an eye on before March 1st’s deadline.
Torrey Craig makes a lot of sense to improve their wing depth. He’s a good three-point shooter, shooting at a 42% clip from behind the arc, 48.9% from the field. He’d be a nice target on both ends for the Knicks.
Finally, Chris Duarte was someone the Knicks targeted in the 2021 draft, before being selected by the Pacers. Whilst his first year or two in the league were exciting, he’s failed to progress, and now sits without a team after being bought out by the Bulls.
The buy-out market approach is still a wise option for the Knicks, knowing that their title hopes rest on their starting nucleus anyway.
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