New York Knicks: 'Big-Game Buyers' At Trade Deadline?

The New York Knicks figure to be one of the NBA trade deadline's buyers as they seek to break into the upper half of the Eastern Conference.

Though the New York Knicks (12-9) sit on relatively decent ground after what's more or less the first quarter of the 2023-24 season, they have been very vocal about wanting to make a trade to launch themselves into the upper half of the Eastern Conference.

With the trade deadline coming in February, Bleacher Report listed the Knicks as a "team to watch." The list compiled by Mo Dakhil leaves no doubt about New York's status, labeling them "big-game buyers" as they're packed with draft assets and tradeable contracts.

Karl Anthony-Towns (32) has long been considered a Knicks trade target / Brad Penner, USA TODAY SPORTS

"(New York has) accumulated assets for the past few seasons, looking for a superstar to trade for," Dakhil said. "The Knicks are rumored to be involved whenever there is a superstar trade rumor. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns...whoever it is, the Knicks will be linked to them if there are rumors they could be available."

There are not many teams that have more depth than the Knicks it might be time to finally take advantage. The team has kept Evan Fournier and his $18.9 million salary on its ledger but his role as a three-point specialist would be welcome on any team. 

Mitchell Robinson OUT At Least 8-10 Weeks

Defending Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Immanuel Quickley could also be on the block after he and the Knicks failed to agree on a long-term contract extension before tip-off. Of course, the question then becomes exactly who the Knicks will target. Some of their most desired targets probably aren't going to be dealt after their current teams have enjoyed hot starts, but they could potentially look for reinforcements after enduring some brutal injury news.

Before the deadline race tips off, the Knicks face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night at home (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).