Knicks Might Be Patient (Again) In Trade For 'Another Star'

The New York Knicks have been very vocal about wanting to be active in the trade market but patience might still be the name of the game.

The New York Knicks made a major trade to close out the 2023 calendar year, picking up OG Anunoby and two others in a deal with the Toronto Raptors. Even though the Knicks have remained active on the trade front, further patience, especially when it comes to landing a genuine superstar, might be the name of the game.

Fred Katz of The Athletic has reason to believe that could very well be the case. Katz's latest report claims that the team is focused on finding immediate contributors with a major groundbreaking trade (i.e. Donovan Mtchell) saved for the coming offseason. 

"The long-term plan remains to add a star to the core that’s already present," Katz writes. "But the organization still does not expect that star, whoever he may be, to become available until this summer at the earliest."

Brad Penner, USA TODAY SPORTS

That would probably be for the best: despite some recent stumbles, the team has posted a 6-2 record with Anunoby in the lineup, which included a five-game winning streak to open 2024. New York's defense has posted an NBA-best 104.7 defensive rating since Anunoby entered its lineup on Jan. 1.

When Jalen Brunson comes back from injury (which could be as soon as Wednesday night) the team will be even more dangerous. The only trade that the team needs at the moment looks to be someone who could fill a role and make an immediate impact, not necessarily a star.

Kendrick Perkins: Brunson, Thibodeau Make Knicks East's Second-Best

The Knicks (23-17) will be back in action on Wednesday night against Alperen Şengün and the Houston Rockets (19-20) at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).