The New York Knicks are in a strong spot right now - not just in the standings, but in terms of roster flexibility and long-term vision. They don’t need to make a blockbuster trade ahead of the February 5 deadline.
This isn’t a team scrambling to stay afloat; it’s a group that’s already in the championship conversation. That said, fine-tuning around the edges could be the difference between a deep playoff run and a Finals appearance.
And that’s where Ochai Agbaji enters the picture.
According to league chatter, Agbaji is drawing interest from multiple teams, with the Raptors reportedly open to moving him as a way to dip under the luxury tax. The Suns have already floated a package centered around Nick Richards and second-round picks. If that’s the kind of return Toronto is considering, the Knicks should be ready to jump into the mix - and fast.
Why Agbaji Makes Sense for the Knicks
Agbaji might not be the flashiest name on the market, but don’t let that fool you - he checks a lot of boxes for what the Knicks need right now. While most rumors have linked New York to backup guards or reserve bigs, the real gap in the rotation is on the wing.
Josh Hart has been reinserted into the starting five, and with that move, the Knicks are suddenly thin on wing depth off the bench. Rookie Mohamed Diawara isn’t ready for consistent minutes, and unless the front office believes he’ll take a leap overnight, that wing void isn’t going to solve itself.
Enter Agbaji. He’s not a high-usage guy, and that’s exactly the point. He brings defensive toughness, positional versatility, and a willingness to take on the toughest defensive assignments - a role that becomes even more valuable when Deuce McBride isn’t on the floor to spell OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges.
Since arriving in Toronto, Agbaji has consistently ranked in the 90th percentile or higher in matchup difficulty, per BBall Index. That means he’s not just guarding wings - he’s often taking on the other team’s primary ball-handler. That kind of defensive trust doesn’t come easy, and it speaks volumes about his ability to hold his own against elite talent.
Offensively, Agbaji’s three-point shooting has been inconsistent, but there’s upside. If he can rediscover the stroke he flashed last season, he becomes more than just a defensive plug-in - he’s a two-way contributor who can stretch the floor and stay on the court in high-leverage moments.
The Trade Math Works - With a Little Help
From a financial standpoint, the trade is doable - but it’ll take some maneuvering. Toronto needs to shed about $800,000 to get under the tax line, and with less than $150,000 separating them from the second apron, the Knicks can't afford to take back more salary than they send out.
That’s where a third team could come into play. Multi-team deals have become more common in today’s cap landscape, especially with the new apron rules forcing front offices to get creative. If the Knicks can find a taker for a contract like Jordan Clarkson, Pacome Dadiet, or even Landry Shamet, they could make the math work without giving up any core pieces.
There’s also the possibility of including Guerschon Yabusele in the deal. His contract is smaller than Agbaji’s, which could help balance the books. If Toronto is open to taking him on - either for cap reasons or to flip him in another deal - it could simplify things for New York.
And if the cost is a couple of second-rounders, particularly the 2026 and 2027 picks from Washington? That’s a price the Knicks can afford to pay. They’ve stockpiled enough draft capital to make moves like this without compromising their long-term flexibility.
A Low-Risk, High-Upside Move
Agbaji isn’t a star acquisition, but he’s exactly the kind of under-the-radar pickup that can pay dividends in the playoffs. He fits the Knicks’ defensive identity, fills a clear need on the wing, and doesn’t require a major shakeup to acquire.
And let’s not overlook the contract situation. Agbaji will be a restricted free agent after the season, which gives the Knicks control over his next deal.
If he performs well, they can keep him at a reasonable number. If it doesn’t work out, they haven’t mortgaged anything of long-term value to take the swing.
Bottom line: This is the kind of move smart contenders make. The Knicks don’t need to chase headlines at the deadline.
They need to keep building a roster that can win in May and June. Agbaji helps them do exactly that.