Knicks Trade Targets with 2024 NBA Trade Deadline a Month Away
The New York Knicks kicked off NBA trade season by converting a few of their top trade chips into one of the more sought-after players on the market.
They still have enough time and assets to get more moves done before the Feb. 8 trade deadline arrives.
Because they didn't have to dip into their pile of first-round picks in the OG Anunoby trade—sacrificing RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley instead—they could still swing a blockbuster deal if they choose. But they aren't planning on a Donovan Mitchell pursuit and may not see the right star available to splurge.
Let's dig into three players who could be on the radar.
Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls
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While the Knicks signed Taj Gibson last month and added Precious Achiuwa in the Anunoby trade, they might still seek more protection in the paint.
Mitchell Robinson had ankle surgery last month and may be sidelined for the season. The 'Bockers aren't nearly as big and bouncy without him.
They could scratch some of that itch with Andre Drummond, though. The 30-year-old may not have quite as much juice as he once did, but he still boasts impressive ups for a 6'11", 279-pounder. He is absurdly effective on the glass (career-high 19.6 rebounds per 36 minutes, via Basketball-Reference) and functions in the same rim-running way as Robinson.
Drummond's availability isn't certain, but if Chicago does any kind of selling this trade season, he'd be a logical candidate as a veteran on an expiring deal.
Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks
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While the puzzle pieces perhaps fit better now in New York, the Knicks did lose a good amount of shot-creation in the trade.
They might be able to replace that with Dejounte Murray, a former All-Star averaging better than 20 points and five assists for the third consecutive season.
He's been on New York's radar for a while, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, and "remains a player the Knicks are interested in acquiring." If the Atlanta Hawks pivoted away from Murray, they'd surely look to recoup some of the draft assets they gave up to get him. The Knicks could grant that wish.
They might be willing, too, as Murray is an almost spotlessly clean fit on paper with Jalen Brunson. Murray does his best work on defense, can operate on or off the ball and has never been better with his three-ball (career highs of 2.4 threes and 38.3 three-point percentage).
Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers
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Malcolm Brogdon should interest plenty of teams this trade season.
As a 31-year-old, he clearly doesn't have a future with the rebuilding Trail Blazers. He does, however, have plenty to offer a win-now shopper, including playoff experience, two-way ability and a malleable skill set that should fit anywhere.
Whether paired with Brunson in the starting five or tasked with piloting the second team, Brogdon could immediately step into a substantial role in New York. Outside of a lengthy injury history, there aren't many risks with him. He never quite ascended to stardom, but he's spent several seasons within arm's reach of it.
If the Knicks want to make a significant addition without paying an exorbitant trade price, Brogdon might be their best bet.
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