The time for an NBA trade is now. The February trade deadline is only weeks away, and the New York Knicks are open for business.<\/p>\n
New York may not pursue a \u201cbig\u201d move this winter, according<\/a> to team owner James Dolan. Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a>, a player of league-wide interest, is not a realistic target. The Knicks will rely on the core of Jalen Brunson<\/a> and Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> for the rest of the season, making bench upgrades and role player replacements a priority.<\/p>\n New York\u2019s Trade Assets<\/p>\n Guerschon Yabusele<\/a>, the Knicks\u2019 recent free agent signing, has been in and out of Mike Brown<\/a>\u2018s rotation.<\/p>\n Guerschon Yabusele in loss to Golden State:<\/p>\n Primary backup center \u2014 New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n According to Spotrac<\/a>, his $5.5 million cap hit makes him a valuable piece for matching salaries in a trade. Former first-round pick Pacome Dadiet<\/a> has a $2.8 million<\/a> cap hit and could have some value for teams looking to develop a young player.<\/p>\n The Knicks also hold rights to the Washington Wizards\u2019 2026 pick, but it\u2019s top-eight protected. If the Wizards finish in the top eight, the pick won\u2019t convey. Even with the Trae Young<\/a> deal, the Wizards will plan to rest and focus on Young\u2019s long-term health<\/a> to secure their pick. <\/p>\n That said, the Knicks can still trade it, turning it into multiple second-round picks in 2026 and 2027. Along with the Wizards\u2019 second-rounders, New York has six additional second-round picks that could be included in deals.<\/p>\n Trade Targets<\/p>\n New York should target defensive wings and guards. Ian Begley of SNY TV<\/a> mentioned the Knicks might look for a backup center, but the bigger weakness is in the backcourt and wing defense.<\/p>\n New York has struggled defending the three, allowing opponents to shoot 37.1%<\/a> on 39 attempts per game. That\u2019s in the bottom five in a league that lives and dies behind the arc. They need better perimeter defense, more aggressive closeouts, and more innovative ways to get over screens.<\/p>\n Here are some players the Knicks could target:<\/p>\n Keon Ellis<\/a> (Sacramento Kings)<\/p>\n Ellis has been in trade talks since falling out of Doug Christie<\/a>\u2018s rotation. He would pair perfectly with Miles McBride<\/a>, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart<\/a> thanks to his length and on-ball aggression. Ellis would be a Swiss Army knife for the Knicks, able to guard bigger wings.<\/p>\n The Sacramento Kings are a mess, but they hold a high price<\/a> on Ellis. Landing him would likely cost a first-round pick, which could be steep for a team with limited assets.<\/p>\n Haywood Highsmith<\/a> (Brooklyn Nets)<\/p>\n Highsmith has been out all season with a meniscus injury<\/a> since his trade to Brooklyn. Even with limited playing time, he made a name for himself in Miami as a reliable 3-and-D wing.<\/p>\n He would fit nicely behind OG Anunoby<\/a> and Mikal Bridges<\/a>. Over the last two seasons, he shot 38.8% from three and used his seven-foot wingspan to guard multiple positions. The Knicks could presumably get him with second-round picks and match his $5.6 million<\/a> cap hit with Yabusele.<\/p>\n Jose Alvarado<\/a> (New Orleans Pelicans)<\/p>\n The interest of Alvarado came up in December via SNY\u2019s Ian Begley.<\/p>\n The Brooklyn native is a strong on-ball defender known for his full-court press defense. With New York\u2019s struggles on the perimeter, he\u2019d slot in nicely as a two-guard next to Miles McBride or Jalen Brunson.<\/p>\n He brings grit and intensity, and Josh Hart and Alvarado are good friends from their time in New Orleans. The Pelicans would probably want second-round picks in return, and the Knicks could include Yabusele, Dadiet, or Kolek to match his $4.5 million<\/a> cap hit.<\/p>\n Although these are not the flashiest names, any of these trade targets would make a significant difference for the Knicks.<\/p>\n
2nd player off bench
Plays 4 minutes 1Q
Doesn’t play again
1 rebound
0 points
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