The New York Knicks find themselves at a crossroads as the trade deadline inches closer, and their recent 112-101 loss to the Sacramento Kings only underscored the urgency. Yes, Jalen Brunson’s early exit with an ankle injury didn’t help matters-he played just five minutes-but the lack of energy across the board was hard to miss.
This wasn’t just about missing a star player. The Knicks looked flat, and that’s a red flag for a team with playoff aspirations.
The truth is, New York needs more than just effort. They need reinforcements-particularly in the frontcourt-and the clock is ticking. With a few weeks left before the trade window closes, the Knicks are reportedly exploring options, both in terms of who they can bring in and who they’re willing to move.
Two names reportedly on the table: Pacome Dadiet and Guerschon Yabusele. Neither has made much of an impact this season, and while their combined $8.3 million salary isn’t game-changing, it’s enough to bring back a useful piece-especially if the Knicks are willing to toss in a second-round pick or some other sweetener. That’s where things get interesting.
Of course, there are limitations. As a first apron team, New York can’t take back more salary than it sends out, and they’re hovering just $150,000 below the second apron. That restricts flexibility, but it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of a smart, targeted move-especially if the front office gets creative.
One potential target? Chris Boucher.
The Celtics big man has seen his role shrink this season, and his $3.3 million expiring contract is easy to work with. A deal between Boston and New York is always tricky-rivalries and conference implications tend to complicate things-but if a third team can help facilitate, Boucher checks a lot of boxes.
He brings energy, rim protection, and a defensive mindset the Knicks could use off the bench. If a package built around Dadiet, some salary filler, and a second-rounder gets it done, that’s a move worth making.
Another intriguing option: Ousmane Dieng. The Thunder forward hasn’t had many opportunities on a stacked Oklahoma City roster, but the flashes are there.
Over his last four appearances-dating back to early December-he’s averaged 8.8 points in just under 17 minutes per game. He’s long, athletic, and shows real promise on the defensive end.
At 22, he’s still raw, and yes, he’ll need to add muscle, but there’s upside here.
Dieng will be eligible for an extension this summer, which adds some risk-either you pay to keep him or potentially lose him for nothing. But if he helps push this team deeper into the postseason, that gamble might be worth it. He’s probably not as clean a fit as Boucher, but he could offer more than Yabusele or Dadiet have so far.
Then there’s Marvin Bagley III. At 6-foot-10, Bagley brings size, scoring, and rebounding-averaging 10 points and 5.6 boards in under 20 minutes per game.
He’s even knocking down the occasional three at a 41.2% clip, albeit on low volume. The fit isn’t perfect-pairing him with someone like Karl-Anthony Towns would create defensive headaches-but that’s not the Knicks’ problem.
In New York, Bagley could slot into a bench role, maybe even share the floor with Mitchell Robinson in spurts. He’s not a game-changer, but he’s a playable body, and right now, that alone would be an upgrade.
The bottom line? The Knicks need a jolt.
Whether it’s Boucher’s defense, Dieng’s upside, or Bagley’s versatility, any of these additions would give the roster a bit more punch heading into the stretch run. The front office has some decisions to make, and what they do-or don’t do-over the next few weeks could go a long way in determining how far this team goes in the 2026 playoffs.
One thing’s clear: standing pat probably isn’t the answer.