The New York Knicks might be riding a two-game win streak, but the mood around Madison Square Garden is far from celebratory. Expectations were sky-high heading into the season, with many projecting the Knicks to take command of the Eastern Conference-especially with some top contenders expected to take a step back.
Instead, New York is sitting in fourth place, trailing behind division rivals like the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors. That’s not exactly the leap fans and the front office were hoping for.
That gap between expectations and reality has the Knicks front office working the phones. They’ve been aggressive in exploring trade possibilities, searching for ways to bolster a roster that, while solid, hasn’t quite hit that next gear.
One name that’s reportedly caught their attention? Naji Marshall of the Dallas Mavericks.
Marshall has been a bright spot for the Mavs this season, carving out a meaningful role on a team that’s in the midst of a rebuild. He brings size, defensive versatility, and an improving offensive game-exactly the kind of wing depth the Knicks could use as they gear up for a postseason push.
And from a contract standpoint, he’s on a team-friendly deal: three years, $27 million, now in its second season. That’s a manageable number for a player who’s trending upward.
But here’s the catch-Dallas isn’t eager to part ways with him. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks aren’t even picking up the phone unless a future first-round pick is part of the conversation. For the Knicks, that’s a tough ask.
New York’s draft capital took a major hit in the Mikal Bridges trade. That blockbuster cost them four of their own first-round picks, an unprotected pick swap, and a 2025 first-rounder via the Milwaukee Bucks-which turned into promising young guard Ben Saraf. The Knicks’ outgoing picks span 2025, 2027, 2029, and 2031, leaving them with limited flexibility when it comes to sweetening trade offers with future assets.
Right now, the Knicks are left with pick swaps and a top-eight protected first-rounder from the Washington Wizards. But with the way Washington’s season is shaping up, that pick isn’t likely to convey anytime soon. And even if it does, the protection limits its trade value-especially when teams like Dallas are holding firm on their asking prices.
So where does that leave the Knicks? In a bit of a bind.
They’re a good team with real playoff aspirations, but their margin for improvement is narrow unless they get creative. Marshall would be a strong fit, but unless New York is willing to part with one of its few remaining trade chips-or unless Dallas lowers its price-the Knicks may have to pivot elsewhere.
The trade deadline is approaching, and the Knicks have made it clear they’re not content with standing pat. Whether it’s Marshall or another target, don’t expect them to sit quietly. The question is whether they can thread the needle between improving now and not mortgaging what little future flexibility they have left.