Knicks Rumors: Jericho Sims Expected to Be Traded Before 2025 NBA Deadline

The New York Knicks are reportedly expected to part ways with their backup center ahead of this year's NBA trade deadline.

Per ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Knicks are expected to trade Jericho Sims before Thursday afternoon's deadline. Bontemps noted that a handful of teams "have expressed interest in acquiring" the 26-year-old, who is on an expiring $2 million deal.

Sims, a former second-round pick by New York in 2021, is putting up just 1.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game this year, playing 10.8 minutes per contest off the bench. With Karl-Anthony Towns holding down the starting role and Precious Achiuwa being his primary backup, Sims currently splits minutes with Ariel Hukporti.

New York will eventually have another big man back in the rotation in Mitchell Robinson, who hasn't played this season due to a foot injury. SNY's Ian Begley reported earlier this week that Mitchell was cleared for contact in practice and is now allowed to play 5-on-5 scrimmage.

With a crowded center rotation, moving on from Sims before the deadline could give the Knicks some much-needed financial flexibility. They're currently just $535,301 below the second apron, per Spotrac.

According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks are interested in trading for Sims.

The Lakers have a major need for a center after dealing Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić. Considering Los Angeles' lack of big men, Sims could go from a reserve role in New York to seeing significant playing time for the Lakers.

He might not get the same kind of minutes with the Clippers or Bucks as those two squads are better equipped in the frontcourt, but he would still likely have a bigger role than that which he plays in New York.

The Knicks are in a good place heading into the second half of the season, so any trades made at the deadline likely won't be of major significance. After winning seven of its last eight games, New York is currently in third place in the East at 34-17 and looks primed for a deep playoff run.