Ranking Knicks' Top Trade Priorities Entering 2024

The New York Knicks enter 2024 with a roster that's good enough to compete but not great enough to contend for an NBA title.

Could that change between now and the Feb. 8 trade deadline? It's possible, although the market would need to offer up the kind of top-tier talent it currently lacks. Even if the Knicks don't nab a star, though, they could still have a productive trade season if they scratch the right itch.

On that note, let's lay out the top three trade-season priorities for this team.

1. Land a Star

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 27: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts after grabbing a rebound and drawing a foul in the final seconds of the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on October 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Knicks have the rights to nine first-round picks over the next five drafts, plus they have several capable contributors in the coveted 25-and-under age bracket. In other words, they have enough to get a blockbuster deal done, should the right opportunity arise, of course.

It's possible this market will never offer the kind of upgrade this group needs. Joel Embiid is obviously off-limits, and given how the Minnesota Timberwolves have played, Karl-Anthony Towns might be, too. The Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes aren't happening. The Chicago Bulls are fire-sale candidates, but the Knicks aren't a Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan away from winning a title.

All of that said, New York needs to keep its eyes and ears open, because a top-shelf talent could be transformational for this team.

There are some within the organization who view Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray as "an ideal trade target," per SNY's Ian Begley. Murray might fall a tier short of full-fledged superstardom, but his top-notch defense and ability to play on or off the ball could make him a snug fit with Jalen Brunson.

2. Add a Versatile Defender with Size

Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images

TORONTO, CANADA -DECEMBER 1: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 1, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

While this certainly isn't unique to the Knicks, they don't have a lot of great defensive options to slow down multi-skilled wings.

That's why a big-wing stopper like Toronto Raptors swingman OG Anunoby holds such tremendous value on the trade market.

It's a valuable skill set for anyone in the modern Association, but it carries extra weight in New York, as the Knicks don't have the tallest team around. Remember, Julius Randle doesn't have a natural backup on the roster, and interior anchor Mitchell Robinson could be sidelined the rest of the season after ankle surgery.

Anunoby—or a lanky three-and-D wing like him—could be invaluable for this group. He's not just a big-wing stopper, he's a shape-shifting defender who can hang on almost any matchup. That would give coach Tom Thibodeau the kind of optionality with his lineups that's often needed to make a deep postseason run.

3. Decide Immanuel Quickley's Future

Rich Graessle/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 25: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks shoots during the first quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2023 in New York City. 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 Rich Graessle/Getty Images)

While the Knicks don't need to make a move between now and the deadline, they do have a decision to make.

New York needs to figure out whether it plans on moving forward with Immanuel Quickley or not.

The energetic two-way guard has restricted free agency awaiting him after this season. While the Knicks would have the option to match any offer sheet he signs, he could wind up signing something they don't want on the payroll. They could also decide they are too deep in the backcourt to justify shelling out major coin for someone who's basically been a career reserve.

If New York is less than sold on its future with Quickley, then dangling him ahead of the deadline would make a ton of sense, as he'd presumably hold significant trade value. If the Knicks are certain they want him around, though, that takes a big trade chip off the table, but it also greatly diminishes the need for New York to acquire another guard.