It is no secret that the Knicks have largely been successful since acquiring OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn from the Raptors for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.
The Knicks are 8-2 in Anunoby’s tenure with the team so far. After having the league’s worst defensive efficiency last month, the defense of the Knicks is top-tier in the league again ever since Anunoby’s arrival. Isaiah Hartenstein has become more and more of a force as a rebounder and shot-blocker. Also, Miles Mcbride has stepped his game up as he attempts to justify his 3-year, $13 million contract extension that he received on the day of the Anunoby trade.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is of the belief that the Anunoby trade makes the Knicks good enough to make the Eastern Conference Finals.
As a Knicks fan, it is my divine wish that such a scenario would occur. However, the basketball analyst in me cannot agree with such a pronouncement at this time. The Knicks have to do more to solidify themselves as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. There are a few moves that they can make in order to get this done.
There were rumors floating around that the Knicks were interested in Bruce Brown. I’m hopeful that this rumor comes to fruition. Bruce Brown was recently traded to the Raptors as part of the Pascal Siakam trade to Indiana.
With the Raptors being in a retooling stage, I highly doubt that Bruce Brown is going to want to stick around. He will want to go to a playoff team and the New York Knicks meet that requirement.
Bruce Brown solidified the bench for the Denver Nuggets during their championship run last year. There’s no doubt that he will do the same for the Knicks. Add the fact that he is a two-way player that does all the intangibles and has tremendous grit. He will fit Tom Thibadeau’s culture like a glove.
Also, the Knicks may want to jump into the intensifying Dejounte Murray sweepstakes. Hawks G Dejounte Murray is a player that a few teams have their eye on for a potential pickup at the trade deadline.
However, the Knicks need to find a way to make this deal happen. A Brunson/Murray backcourt would be a lethal proposition for opponents. Of course, a big hurdle in the Knicks getting Dejounte Murray is the fact that he is represented by Rich Paul and the Klutch Sports Group. It is well known that there is beef between Klutch Sports Group and the Knicks front office. The Knicks have to find a way to navigate this hurdle and bring Dejounte Murray to New York.
The Knicks have certainly made progress, but they will not get to their ultimate destination unless more moves are made.
