Knicks Trade Predictions Ahead of Thursday's NBA Deadline

The New York Knicks already jolted their roster once this season with the late December deal for OG Anunoby.

Could more fireworks be coming between now and Thursday's 3 p.m. ET NBA trade deadline?

The Knicks certainly have the assets to get more deals done, but will they feel compelled to give them up? They have, after all, gone a blistering 15-3 since Anunoby's New Year's Day debut and climbed all the way to the Eastern Conference's No. 4 seed.

Then again, the injury bug has caused some holes in the rotation, and New York still hasn't really replaced Immanuel Quickley. Plus, as good as the Knicks have looked, it might take another trade for them to leap up to greatness.

Let's peer into the future with three deadline predictions for the 'Bockers.

They Poke Around for a Backup Big, but Opt to Wait and See Who Gets Bought Out

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 20: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden on January 20, 2024 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

At full strength, the Knicks have one of the NBA's best frontcourt groups. The problem is New York isn't full strength up front at the moment and might not be again this season.

As soon as Isaiah Hartenstein made it back from an Achilles injury, the Knicks lost Julius Randle to a dislocated shoulder. And they have, of course, been without Mitchell Robinson since his December ankle surgery, which may or may not sideline him for the rest of this season.

It could behoove the 'Bockers, then, to pursue another center this week, and they'll almost certainly make some phone calls. In the end, though, this front office will decide this isn't a big enough need to warrant parting with any actual assets to fill it.

The Knicks have serviceable backups in Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa, plus the chance they'll get Robinson back at some point. Those are good enough options for New York to neglect the center spot this trade season, though it might make sense to scan the buyout market in case the right backup big man shakes loose.

Quentin Grimes Gets Shipped Out

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 27: Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on January 27, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Quentin Grimes' third NBA season hasn't been the easiest to navigate.

New York's crowded wing group has cut into his floor time, and he's had a hard time establishing his rhythm as a result. His 39.5 field-goal percentage and 36.3 percent three-point conversion rate are both the worst of his career, and his 70.6 free-throw percentage is down nine full percentage points from last season.

He's become a regular on the trade-machine circuit along the way, and it's possible he ends up on the actual transaction log by Thursday's cutoff. The Knicks "aren't willing" to let him go unless they are getting back "a perceived upgrade," per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

Low-ball offers won't cut it, in other words, but New York should field more enticing calls this week. Grimes offers near universal appeal, since he has established skills to offer a contender and plenty of upside to attract a more future-focused shopper. Chances are someone will pony up what the Knicks are trying to get, putting Grimes in a different locker room by the end of the week.

They Find Immanuel Quickley's Replacement

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks in action against the Los Angeles Lakers during their game at Madison Square Garden on February 03, 2024 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images)

From October through December, the Knicks had a buzz saw for a bench. New York's second-teamers ranked sixth overall in offensive efficiency during that stretch, per NBA.com.

Since the calendar flipped to 2024, though, the Knicks second-teamers have slumped to 23rd in the category. Two things have contributed to that fall: Robinson's injury forcing Hartenstein's promotion to the starting five, and Quickley's subtraction in the Anunoby deal.

Look for the Knicks to cover up the void left behind by Quickley this week.

There are a wealth of offense-leaning (or offense-only) options on the market who could spark up this second unit. From veterans like Malcolm Brogdon and Jordan Clarkson to up-and-comers like Collin Sexton and Gary Trent Jr., New York has an abundance of candidates to consider for one of its reserve guard spots. The Knicks don't have to get a guard, though, as someone like Keldon Johnson or Kelly Olynyk could also give this unit an offensive hub working out of a frontcourt spot.