The New York Knicks were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs on Sunday night, dropping Game 7 to the Indiana Pacers after being decimated by injuries. With the season over and Jalen Bruson having demonstrated he can be a star, the Knicks reportedly plan to go hunting for a co-star this summer.
New York has always been floated in NBA trade rumors as a potential landing spot for players like Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo if any elite-level player demanded a trade. However, for the most part, the club hasn’t come close to landing a superstar.
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It’s not for a lack of assets. Heading into the 2024 offseason, New York has among the largest collections of draft capital in the NBA. Because of it, any perennial All-Star that becomes available is immediately floated as a possibility to land in New York. This summer, rumors might become a reality.
- New York Knicks future draft picks: 2024 1st, 2024 DAL 1st, 2025 MIL 1st (Top-4 protection), 2025 1st, 2025 DET 1st (Top 13 protected< 2025 WAS 1st (top 10 protected)
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knicks organization views this summer “as the time to trade for the next big name” that becomes available.
“It’s not clear who that star will be. Even the Knicks do not know. They are counting on one universal truth: In the NBA, someone unexpected always becomes available.”
Fred Katz of The Athletic on New York Knicks’ trade plans this summer
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The Cleveland Cavaliers want to retain Mitchell, even if it means signing him to a massive contract extension and potentially trading away other pieces like Jarrett Allen or Darius Garland. Meanwhile, Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns has previously been connected to New York, but it’s unknown if he’ll be available with the Timberwolves four wins away from making the NBA Finals.
While there don’t seem to be any clear Knicks trade targets right now, New York will keep its eyes on the market with a focus on Mitchell, Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George and a few other names. Given the trade assets the Knicks have to work with, they should remain the favorites any time an All-Star demands a trade.