Ranking Knicks' Top Trade Priorities Entering 2023

Even on the heels of four consecutive losses, the New York Knicks have shown enough for the front office to carry an aggressive mindset into NBA trade season.

If the 'Bockers want to make a big splash, the potential reward looks rich enough to justify it.

Whether the aim is to shore up around the margins or literally aim for the stars, we have set—and ranked—New York's trade priority list entering the new year.

3. Wing Scoring

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 16: Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks controls the ball against the Chicago Bulls on December 16, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. New York defeated Chicago 114-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Knicks have a relatively good feel for what they're going to get out of Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson on a nightly basis.

It's the rest of the roster that's often a guessing game.

If New York can summon both pesky defense and point production out of its wings, this team can be hard to beat. Quentin Grimes, who snagged a starting spot with his defense, essentially makes the Knicks unstoppable when he gets into his offensive bag. He has topped 10 points seven times this season; New York is 6-1 in those games (and the only loss came on the business end of Luka Dončić's 60-point triple-double).

The Knicks need more two-way wings. Evan Fournier didn't have enough defense to stick in the rotation. Cam Reddish couldn't harness the requisite consistency. Upgrading on the wings could be massive for this squad, but a potentially equally massive trade cost keeps this area from ranking any higher.

2. Versatile Frontcourt Defender with Range

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 16: Zach Lavine #8 of the Chicago Bulls goes in for a lay up past Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in the second half on December 16, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. New York defeated Chicago 114-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

There aren't a ton of unknowns on New York's frontcourt. Even Obi Toppin feels established in terms of his strengths and weaknesses.

The Knicks know what they have—and what they don't. That latter point could drive the front office to action at the deadline.

New York could use more perimeter coverage to mask some of the defensive shortcomings of Randle and Toppin. It could also stand to add a floor-spacing center, since Mitchell Robinson never takes threes and Isaiah Hartenstein rarely makes them.

Scratching multiple itches with a defensively versatile, perimeter-friendly big man would be ideal. If the Knicks think such a player could carve out a significant role on what's already a crowded frontcourt rotation, it would be worth a not-insignificant investment.

1. Star Power

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 28: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks is held back by Julius Randle #30 and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks after being called for a foul during the first half of the game at Fiserv Forum on October 28, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Brunson might only be a matter of months into his four-year deal with the Knicks, but two things are already clear about their new point guard.

One, as long as he stays healthy, he'll be worth every cent of his nine-figure pact. Two, his addition didn't end New York's search for a superstar.

He might be an All-Star. Randle has played like an All-Star for most of December. That isn't enough.

Superstars run this league, and the Knicks still don't check off that box. It's unlikely they will during this trade season, but that still remains atop the organization's wish list. It's not a stretch to suggest this roster may be one player away from being special, but only if that player is a full-fledged elite.