Knicks Trade Rumors: NY 'Will Explore' Options at Deadline to Make Deep Playoff Run

The New York Knicks still appear to be active on the trade market.

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Knicks' front office will "explore" other deals once the Feb. 8 trade deadline draws closer, with the team attempting to gear up for a potential postseason run.

"League sources said New York will explore its options heading into the trade deadline in hopes of improving this team's chances at a deep playoff run."

The Knicks already made one notable trade on Dec. 31, sending RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for defensive-minded forward OG Anunoby.

While Anunoby gives the team added spacing while shoring up the starting lineup's defense, New York needs players who can create their own offense after the departure of Barrett and Quickley. The 2022-23 NBA All-Defensive Second Team member has hit 37.6 percent of his threes this season, but he's operated in an off-ball role and has never averaged more than 2.6 assists per game in any season of his career.

This presents an issue for the Knicks, as head coach Tom Thibodeau's squad doesn't have many players who can initiate the team's offense besides Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. In the two games since the Anunoby trade, New York's bench is averaging just 18.0 points per game. That's the worst mark in the league, per NBA.com.

If New York is attempting to chase a big name, one option could be Atlanta Hawks point guard Dejounte Murray. The former All-Star is "widely available" for opposing teams looking for backcourt help ahead of the deadline, according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

While the fit alongside Brunson would be a challenge since both players prefer to have the ball in their hands, Thibodeau could potentially stagger the minutes between the two of them in order to improve the bench's efficiency.

A cheaper option could be veteran point guard Malcom Brogdon, who has averaged a commendable 15.7 points in 27.9 minutes per game for the Portland Trail Blazers. With Portland sitting at 9-24, the front office could move Brogdon for future assets while opening up a larger role for No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson.