NBA Rumors: Some With Knicks Think NY Still Has Enough Assets to Trade for Top Player

Doric SamJanuary 3, 2024

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After acquiring swingman OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors, the New York Knicks reportedly are not done looking for ways to improve their roster.

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, while the Knicks gave up some significant assets to acquire Anunoby, they still “feel like they have enough left to land a top player.”

The Knicks gave up former No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett and rising young guard Immanuel Quickley along with a 2024 second-round pick that belongs to the Detroit Pistons to acquire Anunoby. The deal led many to believe that New York wouldn’t be able to swing another trade, but the team apparently doesn’t share the same outlook.

Begley noted that the Knicks have eight tradable first-round picks, including four of their own. Players like Julius Randle, Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes and Donte DiVincenzo were among those mentioned as being trade-eligible prior to this season’s trade deadline.

Earlier on Tuesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that New York is “always going to have interest in” acquiring Minnesota Timberwolves star big man Karl-Anthony Towns if he was made available for a trade.

However, Begley stated that “the Timberwolves won’t be trading Towns this season,” pointing out that Minnesota entered Tuesday with the second-best record in the NBA and Towns has been a major factor in the team’s success this year.

Acquiring Anunoby looks like a strong move, as he scored 17 points in his team debut in Monday’s win over the Timberwolves. However, the Knicks still have a hole in their lineup after losing starting center Mitchell Robinson for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury. It will be interesting to see if New York is able to make another move before the Feb. 8 deadline.