The New York Knicks had a relatively quiet 2024 trade deadline, making just one move by acquiring Delon Wright from the Milwaukee Bucks. Compared to some of their Eastern Conference rivals—like the Cleveland Cavaliers, who made a more significant splash—the Knicks’ lack of activity stood out. Their recent blowout loss to the Boston Celtics also highlighted lingering weaknesses in their roster.
However, the Knicks still have opportunities to improve despite standing pat at the deadline. Let’s take a closer look at the potential paths they can take moving forward.
Mitchell Robinson returns to pre-injury form
Mitchell Robinson’s return will be a significant boost for the Knicks, as he has been sidelined all season while rehabbing an ankle injury. When healthy, Robinson is one of the league’s best defensive centers, and his presence will immediately strengthen New York’s interior defense. Even head coach Tom Thibodeau has acknowledged that the team views Robinson’s return as a key midseason addition.
The Knicks’ need for a stronger interior presence has been evident. While they could use a reliable backup big, they also lack a dominant rim protector. Currently, Karl-Anthony Towns is the only seven-footer on the roster averaging more than eight minutes per game, making him the team’s lone consistent shot-blocking presence. This has allowed opponents to find easier scoring opportunities at the rim.
That said, the Knicks have still held opponents to 62.2% shooting on attempts within five feet—ranking ninth in the league, per NBA Stats. However, adding a true shot-blocker and elite offensive rebounder like Robinson is almost always a positive move. Strengthening the frontcourt has been a priority all season, and Robinson’s return could help solidify that area for New York.
TJ Warren could help spell Knicks’ wings
TJ Warren is making a strong case for an NBA return with his impressive G-League performance. Through 15 games with the Westchester Knicks, he’s averaging 25.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He recently set the franchise’s G-League record for points in a game, dropping 47 in a win over the Cleveland Charge.
Selected 14th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, Warren played nine seasons in the league for four different teams. Given his past success, it’s surprising he has spent this season in the G-League. As recently as two years ago, he averaged 9.5 points per game with the Brooklyn Nets.
While Warren’s career numbers vary, he was a proven scorer for a significant stretch. From 2017-18 to 2019-20, he posted scoring averages of 19.6, 18.0, and 19.8 points per game. Considering that wasn’t too long ago, his recent resurgence suggests he still has plenty to offer at the NBA level.
Still, Warren’s biggest value lies in the depth he provides rather than just his scoring ability. He brings defensive energy and versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions. At 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he’s well-suited to defend shooting guards, small forwards, and even some power forwards.
The Knicks could certainly use additional wing depth. OG Anunoby has missed the past three games with a toe injury, and while he’s expected to return after the All-Star break, his history of injuries remains a concern. Additionally, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges are logging heavy minutes—ranking third and first in the league, respectively—so adding a player like Warren to help ease their workload would be a valuable luxury for New York.
Scour the buyout market for a bargain
The first two points are all but certain—both Mitchell Robinson and TJ Warren will inevitably suit up for the Knicks in 2024-25. The buyout market, however, remains less predictable, though it’s almost guaranteed that at least one impactful player will become available.
That said, the Knicks face a key limitation. With their projected team salary exceeding the first apron, they are restricted from signing any bought-out player who was making more than $12.82 million in 2024-25. This significantly narrows their options, as many high-impact players earn well above that threshold.
Still, some intriguing names could be in play. Kelly Olynyk, set to earn $12.02 million, would fit financially if the New Orleans Pelicans buy him out following his trade from the Toronto Raptors. However, injuries have hampered him this season, and his past connections with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat could make those teams more likely landing spots.
Other potential targets for New York include veterans like Seth Curry and Taj Gibson, who could provide valuable depth.
Ultimately, the Knicks must continue addressing their depth concerns. A blockbuster midseason trade was always unlikely, given how active the team was last offseason. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t take smaller steps to strengthen their roster. Expect them to do just that as they push forward.
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