Knicks 'Need' Superstar Trade; Will It Happen Anytime Soon?

ESPN's Brian Windhorst offered a potential timeline for the New York Knicks to add a high-profile export through a trade.

The New York Knicks sit at 15-11 on the season, good for fifth place in the Eastern Conference entering Wednesday night play. But the general consensus is that they are still a player away from joining the top tier of contenders. 

Count ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst among those believers, joining the continued calls for Leon Rose and the Knicks' front office to make a move.

"(The Knicks) need to trade for a superstar player," Windhorst said on Tuesday's edition of NBA Today. "I think in the interim, they do a very good job of working Tom Thibodeau's system. Now they've had a setback with Mitchell Robinson, he's out for 2-3 months."

USA TODAY SPORTS

Robinson, the Knicks' starting center, underwent surgery after suffering a stress fracture in his left ankle. He is expected to be re-evaluated in eight to 10 weeks from the time of his surgery which occurred last week. Hours before the Knicks tipped off against the Brooklyn Nets, they learned that they would also be without Jericho Sims, Robinson's replacement in the starting five, for at least a week due to another ankle ailment.

In the meantime, Isaiah Hartenstein will be taking over the center duties in New York as the Knicks attempt to stay towards the top of the Eastern Conference standings. 

New York has been linked to Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell and Zach LaVine already this year and there could be more to come. In terms of assets, the Knicks have seven first-round picks and 12 second-round picks that can be moved. They could package those picks along with young players like RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, and Immanuel Quickley, to try and land a star. 

As for when it's happening, Windhorst offered a reply of "maybe" when it comes to the Knicks making a "significant" deal come February's trade deadline.

"The Knicks could make a massive offer if a star comes to the market," Windhorst noted. "But they have shown patience (in) waiting for the perfect move."

Knicks at Nets Preview: How, Who to Watch As Knicks Hit the Road at Home

New York's current star core of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle have been doing their best to lead the way, but if the Knicks want to go far in the playoffs, reinforcements may be needed.