Knicks Trade Targets with 2024 Trade Deadline 2 Months Away

The New York Knicks have the assets needed to make a splash during NBA trade season.

The problem, though, is this market may not offer up a particularly splashy trade candidate.

The Minnesota Timberwolves look way too competitive to consider shopping Karl-Anthony Towns. The Cleveland Cavaliers assuredly retain hopes of making a run with Donovan Mitchell. Even the Toronto Raptors aren't guaranteed to move players like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.

So, the Knicks may not have access to the Association's top-tier talent, but they could still see some value in acquiring any of the three following players between now and the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

Bojan Bogdanović, Detroit Pistons

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 02: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena on December 02, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

New York's offense has been fine this season, but it needs another upgrade if it hopes to make the leap from good to great.

Bojan Bogdanović could help fuel that ascension.

A calf injury delayed his start to the season, but his 22-point debut suggests the ailment might already be behind him. The career 39.4 percent three-point shooter could do wonders for the Knicks' spacing, and he'd help diversify their offensive menu overall. The 6'7" swingman can shoot over smaller defenders or beat bigger, slower ones off the dribble.

While his numbers were a bit elevated by the unpolished prospects around him on the rebuilding Pistons, it's hard to look at his 2022-23 stat line and not be impressed. He not only netted a career-high 21.6 points per game, he did so while posting a pristine 48.8/41.1/88.4 shooting slash.

DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 2: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 2, 2023 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

Depending on how the market moves, there's a decent chance DeMar DeRozan winds up being the best offensive player to move ahead of the trade deadline.

The six-time All-Star's numbers are down a touch, but he's still going for 21.5 points and 4.9 assists (against just 1.2 turnovers) per night. He's also showing more willingness to launch from long range and more proficiency with his perimeter shot. His 0.9 triples per outing are the second-most of his career, and his 37.5 percent splash rate is his best to date.

"He can be a third scorer on a winning team," one NBA executive said of DeRozan, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. "I think he's got some gas left in the tank."

If the Bulls ever lean into an overdue rebuild, DeRozan, an unrestricted free agent next summer, is an obvious trade candidate.

Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 2: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 2, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

If the Knicks could stomach the financial hit of Gordon Hayward's (thankfully expiring) $31.5 million salary, per Spotrac, the scoring forward shouldn't cost much in an actual trade.

The Hornets are clearly headed nowhere, so they may not have much motivation to keep him. Tack on his availability issues (52 games or fewer each of the past four seasons), and it's hard to see Charlotte fielding offers involving any kind of significant assets.

At the right trade price, though, he could really boost this offense.

He does a little of everything at the game's more glamorous end, allowing him to adapt his approach based on the talent around him. He offers enough as a scorer and playmaker to serve as a focal point in small stretches, but he can also complement superior players as a spot-up shooter and timely cutter.