A new report claims the New York Knicks are close to making a second trade with the Toronto Raptors this season, however, there is one key holdup in getting a deal done before today’s trade deadline.
After making a blockbuster trade for 3-and-D specialist OG Anunoby in December, the Knicks have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA and it’s been led by an elite-level defense. However, a rash of recent injuries — including to the former Raptors star — could derail the team’s rapid rise up the NBA standings.
There had already been speculation about New York making a trade before the deadline to improve their depth for the second half and postseason. Now, with Anunoby and Julius Randle sidelined it seems even more likely the organization does something to bolster the roster.
New York Knicks are willing to give up a first-round pick for Bruce Brown Jr.
Well, it seems like they are fairly close to making a deal before 3 PM ET on Thursday, and for a player that might be a good fit for their team. Earlier this week, Sportsnet NBA reporter Michael Grange revealed that the Knicks seem to be a likely landing spot for Bruce Brown Jr. and the organization is willing to meet Toronto’s surprisingly high asking price for the bench player.
“While several teams have inquired about Brown, intrigued by his ability to work his way into almost any lineup along with his championship pedigree, the New York Knicks remain a possible or even likely landing spot, with Evan Fournier and his contract as the matching piece,” Grange wrote. “According to a league source, the Raptors are asking for and have been offered a first-round pick for Brown, who is earning $22.5 million this season and has a team option on his deal for next season worth $23 million.”
However, while the Knicks are willing to part with a first-rounder, Grange reports that the “sticking point” in completing the trade is that the team wants to use one of their two first-round picks in 2024. Which will be later in the top 30, and during a year that is expected to have a weaker-than-usual draft class.
Brown Jr. is not a star but he seems like a perfect fit for head coach Tom Thibodeau’s system as a guard who plays hard, can knock down open shots, can play multiple positions, and guard bigger players.
Related: New York Knicks could pull off blockbuster multi-player trade with Eastern Conference rival