The Knicks’ nightmare scenario for the 2025 NBA trade deadline

The New York Knicks the starting line-up is likely set for the foreseeable future. After adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges last offseason, there are a few moves left that could improve a starting until two All-Star starters emerge. But theirs the bench could still use some help. The Knicks bench ranks dead last in offensive rating, according to NBA Advanced Stats. And he lacks a backup big man. Still, the Knicks are a bench — or maybe even a solid bench — far from being title contenders.

But that doesn’t mean New York needs to trade for just anyone. Too many players could hurt team chemistry. So while the Knicks could use an offensive boost from their reserves, they need someone to somewhat complement the starters. After all, three of the top five players in the league are Knicks, with Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby coming in first, second and seventh respectively. And while not in the top 10, Jalen Brunson and Towns are also averaging about 35 minutes per game. So there are basically no lineups coach Tom Thibodeau uses that don’t feature a few starters.

So with all those parameters in mind, let’s consider some of the worst possible trade scenarios the Knicks could agree to.

Nightmare Trade Scenario #1: Albatross in the hinterland

Additional points from backup guards should be relatively high on the Knicks’ wish list. That would ease some of the burden on the starters, namely Brunson. And that would provide another weapon to mix into lineups. But a guy like Jordan Clarkson is probably the wrong type of guy to pass.

Objectively, Clarkson has grown into a really good player. The 32-year-old was the 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year, and averaged 16 points and 3.8 assists per game this season. But he is not the most effective player. He needs 25.5 minutes per game to accumulate his numbers. And he’s connecting on just 41.3% of all field goal attempts and just 33.9% of his 3-pointers. That’s less than ideal for a guy whose impact would likely be lower given that he would get fewer minutes.

While Clarkson has improved as a defender since his early days when he was viewed as a liability, he still isn’t elite. And since he’s only six feet tall, he would steal minutes from Myles McBride, who is more effective offensively and defensively.

Furthermore, the guard position is not the biggest need for the Knicks. Brunson, Bridges, McBride and Cam Paine are sufficient at the very least. So while Clarkson is more talented than anyone on the Knicks bench, and certainly any guard, New York should avoid him because of other needs and how he would be used.

Nightmare Trade Scenario #2: Any deal involving Mitchell Robinson

The next nightmare trade scenario could be imminent. New York has few, if any, desirable trade assets they are willing to give up. Even Robinson doesn’t quite fit the definition of “desirable commercial property.” He has been out all season, recovering from ankle surgery. And that’s after missing 50 games last year with, you guessed it, an ankle injury.

Still, Robinson has the upper hand. He is only 26 years old. He’s a defensive player of the year candidate, if he can ever stay healthy. And he’s locked into an affordable contract that pays him $14.3 million this year and $12.9 million next season.

So it makes sense that a number of teams would be interested in dealing Robinson, especially if it results in a second-round pick or other upside.

It is possible for New York to make this type of move to win. They are inside terrible frontcourt help is needed, and waiting on Robinson could do more harm than good to the standings and existing players in the rotation. And who’s to say that Robinson doesn’t get hurt again?

Still, trading Robinson now would be a mistake. That includes the sale of Robinson at the lowest value ever. And more importantly, second-round picks carry some weight this season. The The Phoenix Suns added Nick Richards for two second-rounders. So the Knicks should be active in their pursuit of a backup center for that kind of price. Why give up on Robinson now that he’s so close to returning? And what will you get in return? Nobody with Robinson’s head.

You’re looking to trade picks and someone with less upside for the Washington Wizards’ Jonas Valanciunas should be high on the Knicks’ to-do list. But if that doesn’t work out, New York should resist the urge to trade away from its longest-tenured player, Robinson — at least until he increases his trade value. Fortunately, team president Leon Rose led the Knicks masterfully. We hope that will continue.