More than a quarter into the NBA season, the New York Knicks are sitting in a spot few would’ve confidently predicted: second place in the Eastern Conference, fresh off an NBA Cup title, and on pace for their best regular-season finish in over a decade. The vibes are strong, the defense is stingy, and Jalen Brunson continues to look like the heartbeat of a team that’s finally found its identity.
But even with the wins piling up, the Knicks aren’t standing pat. With the trade deadline looming on February 5, New York is quietly evaluating its roster - and may be looking to fine-tune the edges to gear up for a deep playoff push.
Guerschon Yabusele: The Odd Man Out?
One name making the rounds in league circles is Guerschon Yabusele. New York’s biggest free-agent acquisition this past offseason, Yabusele signed a two-year deal worth $5.5 million this season, with a $5.7 million player option for next year. So far, though, the fit hasn’t materialized.
Yabusele’s offensive efficiency has dipped - he’s shooting under 40% from the field and below 31% from beyond the arc - and his defensive struggles have made it tough for head coach Mike Brown to find consistent minutes for him. He’s averaging less than 10 minutes per game, and in a rotation that values defensive versatility and floor spacing, that kind of production just doesn’t cut it.
Given the Knicks’ cap situation, they can’t afford to have that salary slot producing so little. But moving Yabusele won’t be easy.
Several league executives believe New York would need to attach an asset - a pick or a young player - to offload him before the deadline. That’s not ideal, but it might be necessary if the Knicks want to create flexibility for a more impactful addition.
Backup Point Guard: Is Tyler Kolek Ready?
Behind Jalen Brunson, the Knicks don’t have a traditional veteran point guard. That’s left the door open for second-year guard Tyler Kolek to carve out a role. Kolek has had moments - a career week followed by a rough outing, then a bounce-back performance against Miami - and he's shown flashes of what makes him intriguing: the ability to run an offense, penetrate the paint, and set up teammates.
The question is whether those flashes can become consistent contributions. The Knicks are still evaluating Kolek’s development, and that evaluation could influence whether they feel the need to bring in another ballhandler before the deadline.
Frontcourt Depth: One Injury Away from Trouble
Mitchell Robinson has been doing Mitchell Robinson things - dominating the glass, protecting the rim, and giving the Knicks a physical interior presence that few teams can match. But New York is managing his workload carefully with the playoffs in mind, and behind Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the frontcourt thins out quickly.
If Robinson were to miss time, New York would be in a tough spot. That’s why the Knicks are reportedly exploring the possibility of adding another big man - someone who can provide spot minutes, rebounding, and a little scoring punch off the bench.
Trade Targets That Make Sense
Let’s take a look at a few names that have come up as potential targets for the Knicks:
Ayo Dosunmu - Chicago Bulls
Dosunmu is having a career year and checks a lot of boxes for New York: he can handle the ball, defend on the perimeter, and brings a level of toughness that fits the Knicks’ identity. The 26-year-old guard is earning $7.5 million this season, which means the Knicks would have to get creative to match salaries.
That likely means including someone like Landry Shamet (currently sidelined with a shoulder injury), Pacôme Dadiet, or Tyler Kolek - along with Yabusele or Miles McBride. But McBride, before his ankle injury, was one of the best value contracts in the league, shooting lights-out from deep and providing instant offense. Moving him for Dosunmu would be a tough pill to swallow.
Unless Chicago is willing to take a package built around second-round picks and lesser contracts, the Knicks could get outbid by teams with more to offer.
Jose Alvarado - New Orleans Pelicans
Alvarado might not have Dosunmu’s upside, but he’s a more attainable option - and a New York native to boot. The Pelicans guard is a relentless defender at the point of attack and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He’s also more of a traditional point guard, which could help balance the Knicks’ backcourt.
Alvarado is on a $4.5 million deal this season with a player option for the same amount next year. That’s a manageable number for New York, and they have the second-round picks to make a deal work if New Orleans is open to moving him.
Marvin Bagley III - Washington Wizards
Bagley’s career hasn’t gone as expected, but he’s quietly been productive for a struggling Wizards team. Still just 26, Bagley brings scoring and rebounding off the bench - and while he’s not known for his defense, he can give you minutes when Robinson or Towns need a breather.
Bagley’s salary is a modest $2.2 million, and the cost to acquire him likely wouldn’t be more than a second-round pick. He’s not a game-changer, but as a third big, he offers a level of reliability that could come in handy down the stretch.
The Waiting Game
Historically, the Knicks have made their moves well ahead of the trade deadline. This year might be different. With limited assets and a rotation that’s mostly clicking, the front office may opt to wait - giving themselves more time to evaluate Kolek’s development and monitor Robinson’s health before deciding whether to pursue a guard, a big, or stand pat.
The Knicks are in a unique position: contenders with room to improve, but not desperate to make a splash. That kind of flexibility is rare in this league - and if they play it right, it could be the difference between a nice regular season and a serious playoff run.