The Knicks have stayed quiet so far ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, but Tuesday’s flurry of moves around the league may have just opened a door for them - and it’s one they’d be wise to walk through if the opportunity presents itself.
In a three-team deal involving the Bulls, Pistons, and Timberwolves, Chicago landed Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr., while Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić are headed to Detroit. Ivey is the headliner, a former lottery pick joining a Bulls core that already includes Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu. But for the Knicks, the real intrigue lies with Conley - and not because of what he brings to the Bulls.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Conley is now viewed as a prime buyout candidate. If that happens, and he hits the open market, the Knicks should absolutely have him circled in red ink as a potential midseason addition.
Why Conley Makes Sense for New York
Let’s start with the obvious: the Knicks need backcourt depth. Jalen Brunson has been phenomenal, but behind him, the options get thin fast. The team has been linked to names like Jose Alvarado and Keon Ellis in recent weeks, but those would require giving something up - and New York has been understandably cautious about parting with assets unless the return is a clear upgrade.
Enter Mike Conley Jr., a veteran who may soon be available for nothing more than a roster spot and a minimum contract. At 38, he’s not the same player who once ran the show in Memphis, but he doesn’t need to be. What he is now - and what the Knicks could use - is a steady hand who can run an offense, make smart decisions, and keep the second unit organized.
He’s still producing at a high level in the role he’s asked to play. This season, Conley is averaging 7.4 assists per 100 possessions and ranks ninth in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio - a stat that tells you all you need to know about his decision-making.
He’s not forcing the issue, he’s not trying to be the hero. He’s just playing smart, efficient basketball.
Leadership Matters, Too
But Conley’s value goes beyond the box score. He’s widely respected around the league as a locker-room leader and a calming presence - something Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has publicly praised. And that might be just as important for a Knicks team that’s reportedly dealt with some internal friction this year.
New York has the talent to make a serious playoff push, but chemistry and cohesion matter just as much as skill. Adding a veteran like Conley - someone who’s been through deep playoff runs and understands how to manage the grind of an NBA season - could be a stabilizing force both on the court and behind the scenes.
Low Risk, High Reward
The beauty of a potential Conley addition is that it wouldn’t require the Knicks to mortgage any part of their future. No draft picks, no young players, no financial overreach.
If he’s bought out, it’s a clean, low-risk move. And for a team that’s already been careful and calculated in building its roster, that kind of opportunity is hard to ignore.
Of course, none of this is guaranteed. The Bulls may choose to hang onto Conley, or another contender might swoop in if he’s bought out.
But if he does hit the market, the Knicks should be aggressive in their pursuit. He checks every box they’re looking to fill - veteran savvy, playmaking, leadership - and he’d slot in seamlessly behind Brunson in the rotation.
With the trade deadline looming and the Eastern Conference playoff race tightening, the Knicks don’t need to swing for the fences. They just need to make the right move. And if Mike Conley becomes available, he might just be exactly that.