The Knicks are heading into the trade deadline with a clear shopping list-backup guard, reserve big-but there’s a more pressing need flying under the radar: a reliable, bigger wing to support OG Anunoby and company.
Let’s be clear, New York’s top-tier wings are doing heavy lifting. Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart are logging 32-plus minutes per game, anchoring the perimeter on both ends of the floor.
But behind them? It’s a steep drop-off.
When all three are in the starting lineup, the bench wing rotation is practically non-existent.
That’s where the concern lies. Landry Shamet is sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder issue, and even when healthy, he’s more of a guard than a true wing.
Rookie Mohamed Diawara is intriguing-he’s flashed defensive upside in limited minutes-but he’s 20 years old and has logged more than five minutes in a game just three times this season. That’s not the kind of depth a contender can count on when the playoffs hit and every possession matters.
So while the Knicks are reportedly eyeing players like Ayo Dosunmu, Jose Alvarado, and Marvin Bagley III-two guards and a big-it’s that wing spot that should be getting more attention. Because right now, the team’s defensive identity is tethered tightly to Anunoby’s availability.
The numbers back it up. With Anunoby on the floor, the Knicks’ defensive rating improves by 9.1 points-a top-10 swing among nearly 200 players who’ve logged at least 500 minutes this season.
That’s not just impactful, it’s foundational. He’s the glue that holds the defense together, especially in lineups with Karl-Anthony Towns.
Head coach Mike Brown has been hesitant to play Towns without Anunoby on the floor, and for good reason. The defense drops off significantly when Hart or Bridges are out there without OG.
This isn’t to say the Knicks should ignore their other needs. Sure, a backup point guard would help, and there’s room to upgrade behind Towns and Mitchell Robinson. But when you look at how this roster is built and how it performs, adding another wing could be the move that pays the biggest dividends.
Why? Because it gives the Knicks lineup flexibility.
If Hart’s shooting cools off in the playoffs-a real possibility-New York currently has to pivot to a two-big lineup or go small with three guards. Neither option maintains the three-wing structure that’s been so effective alongside their frontcourt stars.
Add a 6’7” or taller wing into the mix, and suddenly the Knicks can keep their preferred shape. It doesn’t have to be a blockbuster name, either.
Players like Justin Champagnie, Saddiq Bey, or Ochai Agbaji could slot into limited minutes and still make a meaningful impact. These are guys who can hold up defensively, hit open shots, and keep the rotation balanced-especially in second units built around Towns or Robinson.
And let’s be honest: if the Knicks are looking for a backup big, there’s a good chance they can find one on the buyout market later in the season. Someone better than Guerschon Yabusele should be available. As for the point guard spot, Tyler Kolek is making a strong case to handle those duties internally.
The trade deadline is still weeks away, and plenty can change. But if the Knicks want to solidify their defense, protect their stars, and stay versatile when it counts most, finding another wing should be at the top of their list.