Trade Targets for Knicks to Avoid at 2024 Deadline

The New York Knicks already used the 2023-24 version of NBA trade season to land three-and-D ace OG Anunoby.

They still have the time—and the trade chips—to do more deals ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

There are myriad ways to improve this roster, from swinging big for a marquee name all the way down to working around the margins to upgrade niche roles. The Knicks have plenty of options to explore, but the following three players shouldn't be among them.

Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 21: Nic Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after a loss of possession during a 125-114 LA Clippers win at Crypto.com Arena on January 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

With Isaiah Hartenstein fighting foot and ankle soreness, and Mitchell Robinson without a timetable for his return from ankle surgery (which was initially believed to be season-ending), the Knicks could be tempted to chase an impact player at center.

Nic Claxton clearly qualifies as such. Brooklyn's bouncy big man is a top-shelf rim-runner with more defensive versatility than the label normally implies. If the Knicks picked him up, he'd be an instant and constant source of shot-blocking, rebounding, lob-finishing and capable defensive-switching.

But the 'Bockers have enough bigs as it is. There's no reason to think Hartenstein's injury will linger, and he's been objectively awesome since his promotion to the starting lineup. The Knicks have capable options behind him in Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims, not to mention any small-ball looks featuring Anunoby or Julius Randle at the 5. Plus, Robinson has a chance to rejoin this group at some point.

If Hartenstein's injury proves more problematic than expected, and Robinson suddenly looks like he'll be shelved for good, maybe then the Knicks could poke around for a backup big. Even in that scenario, though, they wouldn't need to do anything as dramatic—or costly—as a deal for someone of Claxton's caliber.

Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

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PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 19: Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers in action during the third quarter of the game against the Indiana Pacers at the Moda Center on January 19, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Trail Blazers won 118-115. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

If the Knicks built a list of the best players who are realistically available, Jerami Grant would land somewhere near the top.

His numbers have been inflated by some bad teams in Portland and Detroit of late, but he'd be awesome as a third option on a contender. Bring him to the Big Apple, and he could wreak defensive havoc with Anunoby, while lightening some of the scoring and creating burdens carried by Randle and Jalen Brunson.

The Knicks have carefully cultivated their stack of trade chips for a major splurge, though, and Grant falls short of that threshold. They might need a great player to contend for the crown, and he just isn't at that level. There's also a good amount of overlap with him and Anunoby, and it could be tricky fitting the two of them and Randle into the same frontcourt.

The biggest issue with Grant, though, is cost—both in terms of what it would take to get him and how much he'll make going forward. The Blazers aren't looking to move him, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, so it might take a massive offer for them to rethink that stance. Plus, this is Grant's first season on his five-year, $160 million deal, meaning the Knicks would essentially have zero wiggle room financially moving forward with him.

Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks

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SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 22: Dejounte Murray #5 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 22, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

If the Knicks are looking to make another splash, the splashiest move in this market might be a deal for Dejounte Murray.

New York has shown interest, and there are reportedly "people with the Knicks who see Murray as a strong fit next to Jalen Brunson," per SNY's Ian Begley. The Knicks could likely land Murray if they wanted to. It sounds like the Los Angeles Lakers are leading his sweepstakes, but the Knicks have enough assets to better their best offer.

New York shouldn't do that, though. Murray isn't the transcendent star the Knicks have been waiting to add to their roster. He's a 27-year-old with a single All-Star selection on his resume. His defense falls short of his reputation, too; yes, he's a former All-Defensive honoree, but his first and only selection to that group of elite stoppers came back in 2017-18.

Plus, he just spent the past season-plus trying and failing to find his fit next to Trae Young. Why would things play out any differently with Brunson, another small guard who's best with the ball in his hands? The Knicks should stay out of this bidding war and save their assets in hopes of an actual superstar becoming available at some point in the relatively near future.