Knicks Trade Deadline Outlook: Why New York Might Wait to Make a Move
With the NBA trade deadline set for February 5, the New York Knicks find themselves in a familiar spot-hovering around the rumor mill, evaluating needs, and weighing options. But don’t expect them to rush into anything. In fact, all signs point to a patient approach, one that might stretch right up to the final hours before the buzzer sounds on trade season.
That’s not to say the Knicks aren’t active. They’re doing their homework.
Around the league, they’ve been linked to secondary ball-handlers, backup bigs, and even a potential reunion with a certain flame-haired shooter. There’s also been chatter about adding another wing, especially after OG Anunoby’s earlier absence exposed just how thin the rotation can get at that spot.
But for now, the Knicks seem content to sit back and keep evaluating. And honestly, that might be the smart play.
Still Figuring Out What They Really Need
The buzz around the Knicks’ front office is that they’re still trying to determine what their most pressing need actually is. That’s not a sign of indecision-it’s a reflection of a roster that’s shown flashes of internal growth, even amid injuries and inconsistency.
Take the point guard situation. A few weeks ago, adding a backup playmaker felt like a no-brainer.
But then Tyler Kolek stepped up. The rookie has quietly earned trust as a steady hand in the rotation.
It’s early-his rise has only spanned a few weeks-but he’s shown enough to make the Knicks pause before bringing in someone who could cut into his minutes.
Up front, Guerschon Yabusele hasn’t been the answer the Knicks hoped for when they picked him up this past offseason. That experiment seems to have run its course.
Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean New York has to go shopping for another big. Karl-Anthony has looked strong when given more run at the five, and if Mitchell Robinson continues to knock down free throws at a passable clip, there’s not a ton of room for another center to crack the rotation anyway.
The Quiet Need for a Bigger Wing
If there’s one area that quietly looms as a potential upgrade, it’s the wing depth. When Anunoby missed time earlier this season, it became clear how thin things get behind him, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. Right now, there’s no true wing playing behind that trio.
Landry Shamet’s return from a shoulder injury remains uncertain, and even when healthy, he’s more of a guard than a wing. That’s where the Knicks might look to add a bigger body-someone who can defend multiple positions and soak up minutes when needed, even if the role is limited.
There’s also the wildcard: rookie Mohamed Diawara. Lately, head coach Mike Brown has been giving the young forward a longer leash, and the early returns are promising.
Diawara’s shown flashes of defensive versatility that hint at something special. If he keeps trending upward, he could be the in-house answer to that wing depth question.
Why Waiting Might Be the Best Move
There’s a case to be made for acting early at the deadline-locking in your guy before the market heats up. But for the Knicks, that luxury might not be on the table.
They’re somewhat handcuffed by their asset pool. Without the ability to trade a first-round pick midseason, New York doesn’t have the kind of leverage that forces a seller’s hand. Other teams might prefer to wait and see what bigger offers materialize before circling back to the Knicks.
And then there’s the looming specter of Giannis Antetokounmpo. No, he’s not expected to be moved this season, but New York continues to be mentioned as a potential long-term destination.
That kind of possibility can shape how a front office approaches the deadline. Why make a major move now if there’s a chance it could complicate a much bigger swing down the line?
Internal Growth Could Trump External Moves
All of this points to a front office that’s in no rush-and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Knicks aren’t scrambling to fix glaring holes. Instead, they’re letting things play out, seeing what they have in young players like Kolek and Diawara, and keeping their powder dry in case a bigger opportunity presents itself.
There’s a confidence in that approach. It suggests the team believes in its depth, its development pipeline, and its ability to pivot if needed. So while the rumors will keep swirling, don’t be surprised if the Knicks wait until the final stretch before making any moves.
Because sometimes, the best trade deadline strategy is knowing when not to make a deal.