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The New York Knicks are always on the lookout for ways to improve their roster and solidify their position as a competitive force in the NBA. In recent weeks, one of the names that have surfaced in the rumor mill is Moses Brown, the 7-foot-2 center currently with the Dallas Mavericks. According to reports, the Knicks have shown interest in acquiring Brown, a young big man with a tantalizing blend of size and potential. But what would his addition mean for the Knicks, and why might they be keen to pursue him?

Who is Moses Brown?

Moses Brown is a 24-year-old center known for his imposing physical presence and impressive rebounding skills. Standing at 7’2” and weighing 250 pounds, Brown has the ideal frame for an NBA center. Despite his relatively young age, he has already gained valuable experience in the league, having played for multiple teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks.

After going undrafted in 2021, Brown was given an opportunity with the Thunder and impressed many with his ability to protect the rim, rebound, and provide energy off the bench. He played 43 games for the Thunder during the 2020-2021 season, averaging 8.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. These numbers showcased his potential, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.

After his stint with the Thunder, Brown was traded to the Mavericks in the 2021-2022 season, where he has continued to grow as a player, albeit with a more limited role. While his time with Dallas has been marked by inconsistent minutes and playing time, his underlying skill set has remained appealing to teams around the league. The Knicks are reportedly one of those teams, and they might view him as a potential solution to some of their roster needs.

Why are the Knicks Interested in Moses Brown?

The New York Knicks have a solid starting lineup but are constantly looking to fine-tune their roster in order to compete with the NBA’s best teams. While their frontcourt is already strong with the likes of Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson, the team has occasionally struggled with depth in the center position, especially when Robinson is not on the floor. Moses Brown could offer the Knicks the depth and flexibility they need to improve their overall frontcourt rotation.

1. Rim Protection and Rebounding

The Knicks have been known for their defensive prowess in recent years, with head coach Tom Thibodeau placing a strong emphasis on defense and rebounding. Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks’ starting center, is one of the best shot-blockers in the league, but he has had issues with injuries that limit his availability. Moses Brown could complement Robinson by providing an additional shot-blocking presence off the bench and contributing to rebounding, an area where the Knicks have historically excelled.

In his best seasons, Brown has averaged nearly nine rebounds per game, which could help relieve some of the pressure on Robinson. His ability to alter shots in the paint and grab boards could make him a valuable asset to the Knicks, particularly in matchups where they need more size and muscle in the frontcourt.

2. Youth and Upside

While the Knicks are in a “win-now” mode, they also have an eye toward long-term growth and sustainability. Moses Brown is still relatively young at 24, and his combination of size, athleticism, and untapped potential makes him an intriguing option. Adding a player like Brown to the mix would give the Knicks a developmental project who could eventually grow into a reliable backup center or even a more prominent role as his game evolves.

The Knicks have a history of developing young talent under Thibodeau, and Brown could be the type of player who flourishes under Thibodeau’s tutelage. His improvement over the past few seasons shows that he is coachable and has a willingness to learn, which would make him a strong candidate for growth with the Knicks.

3. Affordability

One of the key factors in any potential trade or acquisition is the financial aspect. Moses Brown is on a relatively modest contract, which would make him an affordable addition for the Knicks, especially if they are looking to add a backup center without committing significant salary cap space. Brown is not expected to command a hefty contract, which makes him a low-risk, high-reward move for a team like the Knicks that is already operating with a mix of veterans and young players.

By acquiring Brown, the Knicks could improve their roster without jeopardizing future cap flexibility. This could allow them to continue adding pieces around their core group of players, including Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett, while still addressing a potential weak spot in the frontcourt.

4. Depth Behind Mitchell Robinson

As mentioned earlier, the Knicks have had a somewhat volatile situation at center, particularly with Robinson’s injury history. While Robinson is undoubtedly one of the top rim protectors in the NBA when healthy, the Knicks have sometimes struggled when he is off the court. Adding Moses Brown to the roster would give the team an insurance policy in case Robinson misses extended time, as well as someone who can play alongside him in certain matchups.

Additionally, Brown’s size and shot-blocking ability could allow the Knicks to play a more traditional two-center lineup at times, creating mismatches on the boards and in the paint. This depth would add an extra layer of versatility to the Knicks’ game plan, giving them more options in various situations.

What Would Moses Brown Bring to the Knicks?

Moses Brown’s primary strengths lie in his size, rebounding, and rim protection. While his offensive game is still developing, he has shown flashes of being a solid finisher around the basket and has the athleticism to finish alley-oops and catch-and-dunk opportunities. He’s not likely to develop into a go-to offensive weapon, but his role as a rim protector and rebounder could make him a valuable asset in a backup or complementary role.

On the defensive end, Brown would provide much-needed help in terms of blocking shots and being a physical presence inside. His 7’2” frame and 7’5” wingspan allow him to challenge shots effectively, and his agility allows him to move well for a player of his size. He’s not a perfect defender, but his size alone makes him a formidable presence in the paint.

In the right system, Brown could be a perfect fit as a backup center, contributing in all the areas the Knicks need — defense, rebounding, and providing energy off the bench. His work ethic and the ability to complement existing players on the team could be exactly what the Knicks need to deepen their rotation and improve their overall roster depth.

Final Thoughts

Moses Brown’s potential move to the New York Knicks seems like a win-win for both parties. The Knicks are looking to add depth and talent to their frontcourt without taking on a major financial commitment, and Brown offers exactly that. He’s a young, affordable big man with strong defensive and rebounding abilities that would complement the team’s strengths.

For Brown, a move to the Knicks could provide an opportunity for more consistent playing time and the chance to develop in a system that values defense and toughness. If the Knicks are able to land him, they would gain a young, dynamic player with the tools to contribute immediately and grow over time.

As always, the Knicks’ management will have to weigh their options carefully, but adding Moses Brown to the mix could be an ideal move as they continue their pursuit of success in the Eastern Conference.