Following the blockbuster trade of OG Anunoby by the New York Knicks this weekend, a top team official believes they’re not done making big moves this season.
On Saturday, the Knicks fired the first salvo as rumors were expected to intensify in the first few weeks heading into the Feb. 8 trade deadline. After months of speculation, the Toronto Raptors have finally reached a deal for talented 3-and-D swingman OG Anunoby. The small forward is set to become a free agent this summer and Toronto likely realized a return was unlikely. Although it was reported last season that the Raptors were seeking multiple first-round picks in a trade for Anunoby, New York did not have to give up that price tag as part of this deal. weekend. In exchange for Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn, the Knicks send former Toronto first-round pick RJ Barrett, talented bench scorer Immanuel Quickley and Detroit Pistons second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft .Since the Knicks did not have to give up any of their future first-round picks in the deal and freed up long-term cap space by moving Barrett, they are still able to make another big step this year. SNY NBA insider Ian Begley spoke about this specific fact after Saturday’s trade.“One team that was not involved in the discussions felt that the Knicks probably should have forgone more draft compensation. They were surprised the Knicks didn’t have to give up more in that trade. … I don’t think they’re ready. I think this may have been one of two larger movements that form the overall framework of their thinking. They still have resources to work with.”With that in mind, let’s take a look at five other impact players the organization could target before the NBA trade deadline. Five more New York Knicks blockbusters are traded before the February 2015 targets. 8Clint CapelaWith Mitchell Robinson out for at least another month and reports that he may miss the rest of the season, the Knicks still need to upgrade the center position. Isiah Hartenstein did a good job as a substitute, but he is best off the bench. That’s why Atlanta Hawks big man Clint Capela could be a prime target for New York.Capela has been an elite rim protector and finisher at the rim for much of his career, and he could be the final piece in an elite defensive unit – now at Anunoby – in a dream scenario for coach Tom Thibodeau.DeMar DeRozanWithout Barrett, the New York Knicks could definitely use some more proven offensive skills. That’s why veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan could be an option. With the Bulls still struggling this season, they could look to move the expensive and aging six-time All-Star. The big question is whether the Bulls will shy away from being sellers in the coming weeks, with renewed hopes that Lonzo Ball could soon return and lead them back to the playoffs. According to recent reports, Hawks guard Dejounte Murray is an ideal trade target for some key players in the organization. With Atlanta potentially looking to sell before the deadline, the Knicks might be able to sign him and Capela in one fell swoop and field an excellent starting lineup of Capela, Julius Randle, Anunoby, Murray and Jalen Brunson. Nikola VucevicIf the Knicks feel they have solved their defensive issues with Anunoby and want to improve the center position overall, Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic could be an option. The four-time All-Star is a much more reliable scorer than Robinson and would help improve their overall rebounding game after the loss. Malcolm BrogdonThe loss of Immanuel Quickley is a blow to the Knicks bench. If the team wants to improve their reserves before the postseason, 2022-2023 Sixth Man of the Year winner Malcolm Brogdon would make a lot of sense. He is having another strong season in Portland and could definitely be up for grabs with the Trail Blazers who are having a tough season. Additionally, a backcourt of Brogdon and Brunson in critical moments could be an interesting combination for the team during the playoffs.
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