As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the New York Knicks find themselves in a familiar position: a team on the rise, but still looking for the right pieces to push them over the top. With a strong core already in place, the front office is now focused on fine-tuning - and that means targeting specific skill sets rather than chasing big names.
According to recent reports, the Knicks are zeroing in on improving two key areas: ball-handling and perimeter shooting. That’s not surprising. With Jalen Brunson shouldering a heavy load as the team’s primary creator, New York could use an extra spark off the bench - someone who can keep the offense flowing when Brunson sits and stretch the floor with reliable three-point shooting.
Two names that have surfaced as potential fits are Sacramento’s Keon Ellis and New Orleans’ Jose Alvarado. Neither is a headline-grabber, but both bring exactly the kind of traits the Knicks are seeking.
Ellis, a young guard with defensive upside and a developing shot, fits the mold of a low-usage, high-energy player who won’t disrupt the flow of the offense. Alvarado, meanwhile, is already a known commodity - a gritty, high-motor defender who can knock down threes and bring a jolt of energy off the bench.
Think of him as a playoff pest in the best possible way.
The challenge for New York? Cap flexibility - or the lack thereof.
The Knicks are brushing right up against the second apron, a threshold in the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement that severely limits roster maneuverability. That means any trade has to be financially balanced.
They can’t just absorb extra salary; they have to send out matching contracts, which narrows their options.
That’s where names like Jordan Clarkson, Pacome Dadiet, and Guerschon Yabusele come into play. All three are reportedly on the trade block as the Knicks look for ways to shuffle their roster without breaking the bank. Clarkson, in particular, could be an intriguing chip - a proven scorer who might appeal to teams looking for instant offense.
One name not expected to be on the move? Deuce McBride.
Around the league, there’s reported interest in the young guard, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a tenacious defender, plays with poise, and - perhaps most importantly - he’s on a team-friendly contract.
That combination makes him valuable, not just to other teams, but to the Knicks themselves. Internally, there’s strong belief in McBride’s development, and barring a blockbuster offer, New York seems intent on keeping him in the fold.
So while the Knicks may not be swinging for the fences at this deadline, they’re playing smart - looking for role players who can elevate their bench and complement the stars already in place. In a crowded Eastern Conference, that kind of savvy roster construction could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff run.