Knicks Players That Could Be Traded By The February Deadline (Complete Breakdown)
The New York Knicks have heightened expectations this season after making it to the second round of the playoffs last year by defeating the Donovan Mitchell-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. The Knicks are off to a solid but unspectacular start this year, going 14-11 to start the year and having two of the most talented players in the Eastern Conference Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson.
However, the Knicks fanbase is not going to settle for another early playoff exit and wants the team to make the Finals for the first time since 1999. That seems unlikely right now considering the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers are competing at high levels, and the Knicks need to analyze their roster and who can be traded for a chance to acquire a top star in the league right now.
It is time to break down the roster of the New York Knicks and analyze who can be dangled as trade bait for a chance to improve the core of the team going forward. While there are many talented players on the team right now, it is very unlikely Jalen Brunson will be moved as he is posting 25.5 points and 5.9 assists per game but the rest of the roster will be used in trades for the right price.
Players That Could Be Realistically Traded
RJ Barrett
Immanuel Quickley
Josh Hart (Restricted Until February 7th)
Evan Fournier
Mitchell Robinson
Isaiah Hartenstein
RJ Barrett, at just 23 years old, has emerged as a highly sought-after trade commodity, showcasing his scoring abilities with an average of 19.1 points per game on 43.0% shooting from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc. Teams looking to trade stars may view Barrett as a valuable centerpiece, as evidenced by potential interest from franchises like the Chicago Bulls, making him a focal point in the Knicks' trade discussions. Barrett is under contract until 2026-27 ($25,794,643, $27,705,357, $29,616,071) and that is acceptable money for a talented youngster.
Immanuel Quickley ($6,128,004 player option in 2025), an energetic and confident scorer, has become one of the Knicks' most valued youngsters, posting 14.6 points per game with a notable 36.7% three-point shooting percentage. His ability to energize the team off the bench adds significant appeal to his potential trade value because he will be a potential contender for 6th Man of the Year every season.
Despite being trade-restricted until February 7th, Josh Hart remains an attractive asset with his capability to start as a two-way wing player. While experiencing a slight decline in performance compared to the previous season, Hart's versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the court make him a noteworthy trade candidate even if he is under contract until 2027 ($18,144,000, $19,472,240, $20,923,760).
Evan Fournier, a skilled marksman with a career three-point percentage of 37.8%, has faced challenges under Coach Tom Thibodeau, earning only 28 appearances in two seasons. As a free agent after this season with a player option worth $19,000,000, Fournier becomes a potentially valuable trade asset for teams seeking perimeter shooting. However, his limited playing time under the current coaching staff could influence his desirability in trade talks.
Mitchell Robinson, known for his dominant shot-blocking and rebounding, presents a unique profile. Averaging 10.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, the center has been as active as ever this season for the Knicks. However, his trade value is tempered by concerns about his injury-prone nature and lack of offensive ability.
Finally, Isaiah Hartenstein, a dependable backup big man, contributes both offensively and on the boards, making him a valuable asset for teams seeking frontcourt depth in potential trade scenarios. Averaging 6.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, the big man can play as a backup for any team.
Players Who Are Moveable But Not Easily
Julius Randle
Taj Gibson (Restricted Until March 15th)
Charlie Brown Jr. (Restricted Until January 20th)
Julius Randle, despite being the star of the Knicks, finds himself in a somewhat precarious position due to his age (29) and a dip in shooting percentages this season (46.0% FG, 30.3% 3-PT FG, 74.0% FT). While Randle remains a crucial part of the team, the emergence of Jalen Brunson as a popular and potentially untouchable player for the Knicks might shift the dynamics. If the right deal for an elite star player arises, Randle could be included if absolutely necessary, although New York is likely inclined to retain him given his importance to the team's structure.
Taj Gibson, a 38-year-old veteran, is trade-restricted until March 15th, presenting a logistical challenge for teams looking for immediate roster changes. Given Gibson's age and the waiting period, the demand for his services might be limited, impacting his tradeability. Teams seeking experienced frontcourt depth might still consider Gibson closer to the trade deadline.
Charlie Brown Jr., at 26 years old, has averaged a modest 2.1 points per game throughout his career, making him a less attractive option for potential suitors. With restricted status until January 20th, his limited production and role on the team might not generate significant interest in the trade market, making him a less easily movable asset for the Knicks.
Players That Could Be Immediately Traded
Quentin Grimes
DaQuan Jeffries
Ryan Arcidiacano
Jericho Sims
Miles McBride
Quentin Grimes, a 23-year-old shooting guard for the Knicks, is currently posting 6.8 points per game in the 2024 season, showcasing potential as a former No. 25 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. With a career average of 8.8 points per game, Grimes' youth and scoring ability make him an attractive asset for teams seeking promising talent. The 6’5” talent is highly regarded in New York but every player has a price, especially in the NBA.
DaQuan Jeffries, having played only 56 games in his career and nine with the Knicks this season, is positioned as an available trade option, particularly with his free-agent status next year. The same goes for Ryan Arcidiacano, a 6'3" point guard with limited appearances this season. The 29-year-old provides a potential trade option as a free agent in the upcoming year, offering teams additional depth in the backcourt.
Jericho Sims, a 25-year-old center, features a $2,092,344 team option for the next season, presenting an opportunity for teams to acquire a young big man with untapped potential due to limited playing time. Miles McBride, a 23-year-old point guard, averaging 2.1 points per game, holds promise and could benefit from increased opportunities on a new team, making him a viable trade candidate for teams in need of backcourt depth with a chance to see his ceiling as a player.
Two-Way Players
Jacob Toppin, Jaylen Martin
The two two-way players can be moved immediately if there are any buyers. Jacob Toppin is a 6’9” small forward who has only appeared in only one game so far for only two minutes played. Interestingly, Jacob is the brother of former Knicks forward Obi Toppin. The other two-way player is Jaylen Martin who is a 6’6” small forward who has yet to make an appearance this season with the Knicks.
Who Would Be The Best Target For The Knicks?
The Knicks find themselves at a critical juncture in their quest to contend in the Eastern Conference, and exploring potential trades for star players could reshape their future. The Donovan Mitchell trade scenario, involving parting ways with RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, and two first-round picks, presents an opportunity to secure a dynamic scorer.
Mitchell's skill set could complement Jalen Brunson, potentially forming a formidable backcourt duo, but the cost is substantial, risking the depth and young talent the Knicks have cultivated. Randle will also benefit from Mitchell’s presence as he gets space to dominate inside and get a chance to prove he is untouchable in New York. While Mitchell would elevate the Knicks, a trade for him will be very difficult to accomplish.
No doubt, the notion of bringing Zion Williamson to New York, a player frequently linked to the franchise, presents an intriguing prospect. Despite concerns about his weight and injuries with the Pelicans, Williamson's motivation to thrive as the star for the Knicks could elevate the team's status. The proposed trade of Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, and two future first-round picks signifies a bold move, yet it carries the potential to redefine the Knicks' offensive identity. Again, a trade for Williamson won’t be easy to achieve.
Karl-Anthony Towns emerges as another tantalizing option, especially considering his current role behind Anthony Edwards in Minnesota's offense. While the future of Towns in Minnesota remains uncertain, the suggested trade involving Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 first-round pick could be a strategic move to secure a dominant center and bolster the Knicks' frontline. A dynamic duo with Brunson and Towns would be hard to deal with as Thibodeau looks to improve upon the big man’s defensive dominance as well.
The most realistic and acceptable trade scenario for the Knicks, however, revolves around Zach LaVine. The proposition of trading RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, and a 2024 first-round pick for LaVine aligns with the team's goal of contending in the near term. Acquiring LaVine would create a potent Big Three alongside Randle and Brunson, providing the Knicks with a genuine opportunity to make a deep run in the Eastern Conference playoffs. This trade balances the need for star power while preserving some of the team's promising young talent, making it a strategic and potentially transformative move for the franchise.
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