Knicks Eye Saddiq Bey as Villanova Pipeline Continues to Shape Their Identity
Madison Square Garden has been feeling more like a Villanova reunion tour than the home of the New York Knicks lately-and that’s not a bad thing. With Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart already anchoring the Knicks’ core, the franchise could be looking to add another former Wildcat to the mix. Enter Saddiq Bey, a versatile wing currently playing some of the best basketball of his career in New Orleans.
Bey on the Knicks’ Radar
Bey, the 19th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has emerged as a potential trade target for a Knicks team looking to shore up its wing depth. With the Pelicans dealing with injuries and struggling to find consistency, Bey has stepped into a larger role-and he’s making the most of it.
Through 29 games this season, Bey is averaging:
- 15.0 points
- 6.1 rebounds
- 2.2 assists
- 1.0 steal
- 45.2% from the field
- 33.3% from three
Those are strong numbers for a player who’s been asked to do a little bit of everything on a team that’s lacked stability. And while he’s starting in New Orleans right now, his potential role in New York would likely be as a high-impact sixth or seventh man-a scoring punch off the bench who can play multiple positions and fit into a variety of lineups.
What Bey Brings to the Table
Bey’s game is built on versatility. He’s not a lights-out shooter, but he’s capable of heating up in a hurry.
His three-level scoring ability-he can hit the three, attack off the dribble, and post up smaller defenders-makes him a tough cover. That kind of offensive flexibility is exactly what the Knicks need in their second unit.
Defensively, Bey isn’t going to lock down the opposing team’s best scorer every night, but he holds his own. He’s strong, smart, and physical enough to defend multiple positions. Coaches and teammates have consistently praised his adaptability and his impact on winning.
“He’s sort of that Swiss Army knife type of player,” said Pelicans head coach Willie Green. “He can play multiple positions, score, post up, defend, rebound. Those guys are extremely valuable to a team’s success.”
That’s the kind of player who thrives in Tom Thibodeau’s system-someone who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, who understands his role, and who can fill in the gaps wherever needed.
Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears echoed that sentiment: “He brings a lot to our team. He can shoot the ball really well, really nice frame. He can (defend) and rebound.”
The Trade Framework
Here’s what a potential deal could look like:
Knicks receive:
- Saddiq Bey (2 years, $6.1 million)
Pelicans receive:
- Guerschon Yabusele (2 years, $5.5 million)
- Pacôme Dadiet (3 years, $2.8 million)
- 2026 protected first-round pick (via Washington)
- 2026 second-round pick
From the Knicks’ perspective, this is a move that makes sense on multiple levels. Yabusele, signed to a two-year, $12 million deal this past offseason, hasn’t found a role in Mike Brown’s rotation.
Dadiet, a 2024 first-round pick, has barely seen the floor and hasn’t registered any meaningful production. Moving on from both players-and attaching a pair of future picks-would be a small price to pay for a proven contributor like Bey.
Why This Move Makes Sense for New York
The Knicks are in a win-now window. They’ve built a roster around Brunson’s leadership, with a mix of two-way wings, physical bigs, and depth at every position.
But if there’s one area where they could use a boost, it’s on the wing behind OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. That’s where Bey fits in perfectly.
Plugging Bey into a second unit that already features Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, and Jordan Clarkson gives the Knicks one of the deepest benches in the league. It’s the kind of lineup that can keep pressure on opponents for 48 minutes, wear teams down, and swing playoff games.
Adding another Villanova product wouldn’t just be about nostalgia or chemistry-it’s about fit. Bey knows how to play off the ball, he defends with effort, and he’s shown he can produce when given the opportunity. That’s the kind of player who helps you win in May and June.
The Bottom Line
If the Knicks pull the trigger on a Saddiq Bey trade, they’re not just adding another name to the roster-they’re reinforcing their identity. Tough, versatile, team-first players who know how to win.
The Villanova connection might be strong in New York, but this move would be about more than just college ties. It’s about building a roster that can go deep in the playoffs-and Bey might be the next piece in that puzzle.