The Knicks must consider a trade for the highly coveted veteran center

The New York Knicks are on a two-game winning streak after a successful win against the Atlanta Hawks and triumph in Mikal Bridges’ first trip back to Brooklyn. Maybe they don’t shoot everything cylinders, but a win is a win. And New York is just two games behind the Boston Celtics for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. So things are pretty peachy in the Big Apple. Somehow.

The Knicks’ rotation issues continue to hinder the team’s success

However, the Knicks are still looking to fill out their rotation. Yes, coach Tom Thibodeau has seemingly struck a decent balance with his bench players. But there is still a gaping home in the middle, at least among the reserves.

Precious Achiuva has been pretty good, especially for someone who plays out of position. Achiuva is only six-foot-eight, but is the only consistently big reserve. Jericho Sims somehow got lost again. After looking like he was going to figure something out, the fourth-year center recorded two consecutive non-playing coach’s decisions.

Further, the most logical player to fill the void, Mitchell Robinson, is still not cleared to practice. Robinson continues to recover from offseason ankle surgery. So where could the Knicks turn to fill their big man needs?

Robinson could still be the answer, but there is no guarantee that he will return to his pre-injury form. Also, the timing of his return is important. The Knicks have the second hardest remaining scheduleaccording to Tankathon.com. So it’s important that they strengthen their frontcourt before the teams below them in the standings start to gain ground.

Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards could be the answer to the Knicks’ center problems. Washington has the worst record in the league, so drafting virtually anyone not named Alexander Sarr would be feasible.

Valanciunas will be a hot commodity until next month’s trade deadline if he stays with the Wizards until then. His salary is just $9.9 million this season, $10.35 million next season and $10 million in 2026-27. But the 32-year-old Lithuanian proved that he has gas left in the tank. He is averaging 11.7 points and 8.2 rebounds in just 19.7 minutes per game.

Valanciunas could be traded for Achiuva, who signed for $6 million, Sims, whose contract is worth $2 million this season, a combination of guys at the end of the bench to make the money work, and a second-round pick or two. And that could give the Knicks a boost now and into the playoffs.

Given the recent increase in the value of second-round picks, this type of deal could work. And who knows, Achiuva could produce more if given a bigger opportunity. But the real question is, will another suitor offer more for Valanciunas?

The market was essentially set last week when the Phoenix Suns added Nick Richards and a second-round pick in exchange for three second-round picks. But who else is available? Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls, Jakob Poltl of the Toronto Raptors and Robert Williams III of the Houston Rockets are some other big men who could be available, according to reports.

However, all three of the other centers listed above will cost more than Valanciunas, so New York is probably better off trying to deal with the Wizards. Frankly, they have more leverage in negotiating a deal for Valanciunas than any other center, as all three other centers likely offer more upside in one way or another.

Ultimately, if Robinson is back to his old self, the Knicks could deal Valanciunas or Robinson next offseason. But immediately, Valanciunas could bridge the gap for a team that has lacked a reliable backup center all year. And that’s something that would surely improve a team whose identity has changed dramatically from last season’s tough and rough persona. This is the deal that is definitely worth exploring.