The New York Knicks are actively exploring the trade market for a superstar player to improve their roster, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium on FanDuel TV’s “Run it Back”. With the approaching Feb. 8 trade deadline, the Knicks are planning on making a big move, possibly going all-in for the right player.
Even after a solid start to the season, the team’s recent defensive struggles, have highlighted the need for an impactful addition. “[The New York Knicks] are monitoring the marketplace, they want to see if there’s a star player that’s available.” Charania stated.
The Knicks are looking to trade for a star, per @ShamsCharania
“[The New York Knicks] are monitoring the marketplace, they want to see if there’s a star player that’s available.”
(Via @RunItBackFDTV ) pic.twitter.com/nEtF1GWNw6
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 6, 2023
Karl-Anthony Towns has been mentioned as a potential trade target, but it’s uncertain if he fits the profile of an “all-in” acquisition. The Knicks are in a strong position to make a big deal because they have several valuable assets, such as first-round picks from 2025 to 2030, and flexibility in their salary cap as they don’t have any max contracts.
Kenny Smith says Knicks don’t have a player better than Paolo Banchero
NBA insider and former player Kenny Smith has shared his views on the Knicks’ current situation in the league. Despite a strong start to the season and Jalen Brunson’s impressive performances, Smith believes that the Knicks lack star power. On TNT’s Inside the NBA, Smith stated that in many matches, the Knicks are overshadowed by teams with better star players.
“You play Boston, you’ve got the second or third best player. You play Orlando with [Paolo] Banchero, they don’t have a player that’s better than Banchero. Milwaukee, we know they don’t. Philadelphia, they don’t. The Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton is the best player on the floor… you don’t have the best player on the floor any night.” Smith Stated.
“The Knicks don’t have a player better than [Paolo] Banchero”
– Kenny Smith
(h/t @KnicksMuse ) pic.twitter.com/EqGg9VqTvo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 6, 2023
Smith highlighted that in games against teams like Boston, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, the Knicks often find themselves with the second-best player on the court. He said that even Orlando’s Paolo Banchero might be a more impactful player than anyone on the Knicks roster. Smith’s comments support the claim that the Knicks need a star player who can make them serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Knicks eliminated from In-Season Tournament after loss to Bucks
The Knicks recently faced a major setback in the inaugural In-Season Tournament, getting eliminated after a 146-122 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks’ efforts were overshadowed by the Bucks’ high-scoring offense led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. This loss highlighted the team’s struggles against playoff-caliber opponents.
Knicks ripped by Bucks, ousted from NBA In-Season Tournament https://t.co/HZye4xoOjk pic.twitter.com/scFcNpZNwK
— New York Post (@nypost) December 6, 2023
The Knicks’ current record shows a clear difference between their performance against top-tier teams and lesser opponents. This loss and the ongoing discussions about potential trades put them in a difficult situation, they are trying to transform from a playoff team to a title contender in a competitive Eastern Conference.
