Knicks Takeaways from 2023 NBA Trade Deadline
The New York Knicks had enough trade assets to swing for the fences at the 2023 NBA trade deadline.
They opted for contact instead and just might have legged out an extra-base hit.
Deadline acquisition Josh Hart isn't a star, but he is someone who could help connect the dots between the 'Bockers better players. That's arguably worth the price they paid to get him, namely Cam Reddish and a protected first-round pick.
This deadline didn't dramatically change the Knicks, but it did reveal a few things about this franchise.
Josh Hart Might Crack the Closing Lineup
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Last season, the Knicks spent a first-round pick on Reddish and watched him fail to earn the trust of head coach Tom Thibodeau. History is not at all repeating itself with this trade.
Entering Wednesday, Hart was averaging 27 minutes in his short tenure with the team. With the way Thibodeau has talked about Hart—he dropped a Jimmy Butler comparison on him—it wouldn't be surprising to see that number climb.
"Those types of players, they give your team heart, they give your team toughness, and that goes a long way," Thibodeau told reporters. "... If you coach against or you play against him, those are the types of guys that you respect. You respect a fierce competitor. Obviously, he's got great talent. He wouldn't be here without great talent. But his competitive spirit is special."
Hart's first two games with the Knicks were incredible. He shot 13-of-20 and 6-of-9 from distance while dishing six assists against one turnover. This torrid play won't last, but Hart's defensive tenacity and willingness to do the little things should. That could be enough for Thibodeau to trust Hart as a member of New York's closing group.
This Team Is Better Than It Was Before the Deadline
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The Knicks absolutely could have aimed higher at the deadline.
You could argue they had the picks and prospects to chase virtually anyone. You could argue New York may have been able to cobble together a trade package that at least rivaled what the Brooklyn Nets got back for Kevin Durant. The Knicks could have thrown a handful of picks in front of the Toronto Raptors to test their commitment to O.G. Anunoby.
If you think New York could have added more this trade season, you're right.
That doesn't change the fact, though, this group got better at the deadline. Reddish was out of the rotation; Hart appears to be a prominent member in it. The Knicks will be better at both ends for making the deal they did.
They Still Have the Trade Chips to Make a Major Move at Some Point
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Anyone who has followed the NBA for more than a minute knows it's a matter of when, not if, the next star player becomes available.
Last summer, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Dejounte Murray and Jalen Brunson all changed teams. This deadline alone saw both Durant and Kyrie Irving filling out change-of-address forms.
Another star will surface at some point—likely sooner than later. Whenever that happens, the Knicks will be positioned to pounce should they so choose.
Between RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley and Jericho Sims, New York is loaded with young talent. Throw in the pile of picks in the franchise's possession, and the Knicks are ready to outfit anyone with a rebuilding starter kit.
