RealGM

Based on this article, which I'm not sure I entirely agree with, but I agree with a lot of it:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6118739/2025/02/06/knicks-nba-trade-deadline-whats-next/

NY can't sign a waived player who's released from a salary above 12.8 million. And, to stay under the 2nd apron, they can't sign that player until March 1st.

But a player signed on March 1 can play for them in the playoffs and NY has an open roster spot, so . . . it's possible they'll add a vet on March 1st for the playoffs. Not sure who, but it could happen.

Thoughts?

They better add a player. They have the worst bench in the NBA. They can’t be snobby on picking someone up.

Luv those Knicks wrote:Based on this article, which I'm not sure I entirely agree with, but I agree with a lot of it:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6118739/2025/02/06/knicks-nba-trade-deadline-whats-next/

NY can't sign a waived player who's released from a salary above 12.8 million. And, to stay under the 2nd apron, they can't sign that player until March 1st.

But a player signed on March 1 can play for them in the playoffs and NY has an open roster spot, so . . . it's possible they'll add a vet on March 1st for the playoffs. Not sure who, but it could happen.

Thoughts?

I don't think we need a center. We have 3 and a half centers with KAT, Mitch, Huk, and Achiuwa.

My suspicion on Jericho Sims seemed correct. They waited to have a deal in place for Sims before giving Hukporti any minutes over Sims. We didn't trade Mitch and he's about to come back.

Achiuwa has been playing minutes at the 4 and 5, but he's more naturally a 4. Achiuwa has been balling lately. Because of spacing issues, I don't know if Achiuwa will get minutes once Mitch gets going. Achiuwa can play alongside Towns or backing up Towns.

I don't know if you can play Achiuwa next to Mitch or Huk for an extended period of time. Last year you could, but I feel like this season, spacing is more crucial than ever before. Unless a player's defense is so magnificent to overcome a lack of spacing on the offensive end, you really need four average to above-average floor spacers on the floor at all times. Even if Thibs decides to only give KAT and one other guy minutes at Center, I feel like he would trust any of them with minutes if they get injured.

I am starting to think that our rotation would be most balanced if Achiuwa starts alongside KAT and plays the first 6-9 minutes of each half. Then either Hart or OG came off the bench to play the last 15-18 minutes of each half. OG will probably take issue with coming off the bench, so I think it's more likely Hart would sacrifice for the good of the team.

Come playoff time, if everyone is healthy, this is I would do

G: Brunson - 36 / Payne - 12
G: Mikal - 38 / McBride - 10
F: OG - 36 / McBride - 12
F: Achiuwa - 12 / Hart - 36
C: KAT - 33 / Mitch - 15

We really just need a decent wing who can play the 2, 3, or 4.

Torrey Craig could've filled a role off the bench. We'll see who becomes available March 1st. They might just sign from within, either converting Matt Ryan's two-way deal into a regular season spot, or the likes of either Chuma Okeke or Kevin McCullar, Jr. to take that last spot. Because if they felt Jacob Toppin was ready, he'd be playing those minutes right now.

Hes_On_Fire wrote:They better add a player. They have the worst bench in the NBA. They can’t be snobby on picking someone up.

Mitch would help. The problem is, they have all their scorers in the starting 5. and non scorers on the bench. McBride/Payne can score a little. I'm not sure how to adjust the roster, but I think one of the starting 5 taking a seat and coming off the bench might fix everything. It's a tough sell though.

There are ways to balance the rotation without messing with the starting lineup. If they move anyone to the bench, it would be Josh Hart, but do either Mitch or Precious replace his hustle enough to warrant the move?* Their starting lineup will obviously be their closing lineup, so it all depends on how This adjusts his sub rotations.

Personally, think it's a combo of a two-man swap between Cam, Deuce, Precious and Mitch. Any combo of them for any combo of the starters outside of KAT or JB, barring foul trouble. Get Hart, Bridges and OG their respective rest early so they can hold it down for the last five minutes of the game fresh.

All the good players will be gone by then

thebuzzardman wrote:All the good players will be gone by then

Good players don't get bought out. All the least biggest scrubs will be gone by then.

gavran wrote:

thebuzzardman wrote:All the good players will be gone by then

Good players don't get bought out. All the least biggest scrubs will be gone by then.

Well, the Knicks need one of those, since they insisted on exchanging their 5th center for their 5th PG instead of doing something crazy like adding a wing taller than 6'4"

I think we pick up TJ Warren for the playoffs. He's got wing size we're missing, and vet experience.

Clint Capela could be bought out but he makes more than the 12.8 mil 2nd apron limit

Taj Gibson

I would have to think this is a top destination for buyout candidates at certain positions (2/3/4?). Not only do you get to play for one of the best teams in the league but you can actually get consistent minutes.

My wishlist:
Torrey Craig
Chris Boucher
Javonte Green

we need a SF who can lock down and hit corner 3s

OG needs to be ready for the playoffs

ctorres wrote:

Luv those Knicks wrote:Based on this article, which I'm not sure I entirely agree with, but I agree with a lot of it:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6118739/2025/02/06/knicks-nba-trade-deadline-whats-next/

NY can't sign a waived player who's released from a salary above 12.8 million. And, to stay under the 2nd apron, they can't sign that player until March 1st.

But a player signed on March 1 can play for them in the playoffs and NY has an open roster spot, so . . . it's possible they'll add a vet on March 1st for the playoffs. Not sure who, but it could happen.

Thoughts?

I don't think we need a center. We have 3 and a half centers with KAT, Mitch, Huk, and Achiuwa.

My suspicion on Jericho Sims seemed correct. They waited to have a deal in place for Sims before giving Hukporti any minutes over Sims. We didn't trade Mitch and he's about to come back.

Achiuwa has been playing minutes at the 4 and 5, but he's more naturally a 4. Achiuwa has been balling lately. Because of spacing issues, I don't know if Achiuwa will get minutes once Mitch gets going. Achiuwa can play alongside Towns or backing up Towns.

I don't know if you can play Achiuwa next to Mitch or Huk for an extended period of time. Last year you could, but I feel like this season, spacing is more crucial than ever before. Unless a player's defense is so magnificent to overcome a lack of spacing on the offensive end, you really need four average to above-average floor spacers on the floor at all times. Even if Thibs decides to only give KAT and one other guy minutes at Center, I feel like he would trust any of them with minutes if they get injured.

I am starting to think that our rotation would be most balanced if Achiuwa starts alongside KAT and plays the first 6-9 minutes of each half. Then either Hart or OG came off the bench to play the last 15-18 minutes of each half. OG will probably take issue with coming off the bench, so I think it's more likely Hart would sacrifice for the good of the team.

Come playoff time, if everyone is healthy, this is I would do

G: Brunson - 36 / Payne - 12
G: Mikal - 38 / McBride - 10
F: OG - 36 / McBride - 12
F: Achiuwa - 12 / Hart - 36
C: KAT - 33 / Mitch - 15

We really just need a decent wing who can play the 2, 3, or 4.

Boucher can play the 3,4 and 5. He can rim defend a bit and can hit the 3. If Toronto wants out of his 10.8M contract (just under the MLE) he is probably our prime target.


Rough minutes with a MUCH deeper team (when everyone is healthy):

KAT (20)/ Mitch (20)/ Boucher (8)
OG (18)/ KAT(12)/Achiuwa (8)/ Hart (5)/ Boucher (5)
Bridges (25)/ OG(14)/ Hart (6)/ Boucher(3)
Hart (12)/ Bridges(8)/McBride(18)/Delon Wright (10)
Brunson (34)/Payne (12)/ Wright(2)

Jeffrey wrote:

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My wishlist:
Torrey Craig
Chris Boucher
Javonte Green

Craig signed with the Celtics

I'm a scared that they actually would trade for Durant and gut our roster and our draft picks...

there's a reason TJ Warren is in Westchester.

thebuzzardman wrote:

gavran wrote:

thebuzzardman wrote:All the good players will be gone by then

Good players don't get bought out. All the least biggest scrubs will be gone by then.

Well, the Knicks need one of those, since they insisted on exchanging their 5th center for their 5th PG instead of doing something crazy like adding a wing taller than 6'4"

delon wright is 6'5"