Knicks Trade Rumor Centers Around Former Jalen Brunson Teammate

As the hours dwindle toward Thursday's trade deadline, the New York Knicks could turn to Philadelphia's collegiate endeavors to bolster their depth.

New Yorkers surely despise turning to Philadelphia for help, but a Villanova connection could be on the horizon in Manhattan.

New intel from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reveals that the New York Knicks have "expressed interest" in current Portland Trail Blazer Josh Hart, a former Jalen Brunson teammate in the City of Brotherly Love. Brunson and Hart's paths united for two seasons with the Wildcats, the first of which yielded a national championship in 2016. 

Hart, working through his second season in Portland after he was traded by New Orleans at last year's deadline. Set to turn 28 in March, the 2017 first-round pick has pulled in a career-best 8.2 rebounds a game in 51 appearances, all starts. Though he's putting in only 9.5 points a game, his 50.4 percentage from the field ties a career-high.

While New York has held its own in the rebounding department, even with starting center Mitchell Robinson working off a thumb injury, the team is looking for further production from its bench, especially with current swingman Obi Toppin still struggling to find any consistent role in the rotation. Hart will also loom as an attractive import due to his relatively affordable 2023-24 player option at just under $13 million. 

Hart's Philadelphia-based familiarity with Brunson (as well as reserve Ryan Arcidiacono) makes him an attractive trade candidate to the Knicks as is, but he could also perhaps serve as vital depth that would be able to give Julius Randle (one of two Knicks to appear in all 56 games this season) a much-needed rest. As with any trade, it'll likely come down to what the Knicks are willing to offer. Portland (26-28), on the cusp of the Western Conference playoff picture, could be a solid test for players like Toppin and Cam Reddish, first-round picks whose dealing could afford them each a chance to reclaim the narrative on their respective professional careers. 

The Knicks (30-26) are due for one more matchup with the Blazers on March 14. In the meantime, they'll face the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday (7 p.m. ET, MSG). The 2023 NBA trade deadline is this Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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