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As the NBA trade deadline approaches, rumors are swirling about potential moves the New York Knicks might make to bolster their roster. One intriguing name that has surfaced in recent weeks is that of **Greg Anthony’s son**, **Cole Anthony**, who plays for the Orlando Magic. While there has been no official confirmation yet, whispers around the league suggest that the Knicks are seriously considering making a move for the young point guard as part of their strategy to enhance their backcourt depth.

Cole Anthony, the 6’3” guard, has been a bright spot for the Orlando Magic since he was drafted in 2020. A talented scorer and playmaker, he has consistently shown flashes of promise despite the Magic’s rebuilding phase. With his strong basketball IQ, leadership abilities, and scoring potential, Anthony has drawn attention from several teams, and it seems the Knicks are one of the front-runners to land him.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential reasons behind the Knicks’ interest in Cole Anthony, what he could bring to the team, and how a trade for him could impact the future of the franchise.

### Who is Cole Anthony?

Cole Anthony is the son of **Greg Anthony**, a former NBA player and current basketball analyst, which gives Cole a strong basketball pedigree. Greg Anthony was known for his grit, defense, and leadership during his career in the NBA, particularly with the New York Knicks in the mid-1990s. Growing up around the game and with his father’s influence, Cole Anthony has shown a deep understanding of basketball fundamentals from a young age.

Standing at 6’3” and weighing around 215 pounds, Cole brings both size and agility to the point guard position. Known for his ability to drive to the basket and his effective mid-range game, he has also developed as a three-point shooter, improving his scoring versatility. While he has sometimes struggled with consistency—like most young players—he’s shown significant promise as both a scorer and a playmaker, especially for a rebuilding Orlando team that has placed significant developmental focus on its younger players.

Through his first few seasons in the NBA, Cole has averaged just under 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. While his efficiency can fluctuate, his ability to take over games and contribute in multiple areas of the court has impressed scouts and coaches around the league.

### Why Are the Knicks Interested in Cole Anthony?

For the Knicks, who are aiming to strengthen their backcourt and continue their quest to compete in the Eastern Conference, Cole Anthony offers intriguing potential. The Knicks have a solid foundation with key players like Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett. However, their backcourt, especially in terms of depth behind Brunson, has been an area of concern.

1. **A Scoring Option for the Backcourt:**
Jalen Brunson has been excellent for the Knicks, but as he plays the majority of minutes at the point guard position, New York has often lacked a secondary playmaker who can take over the offense when needed. Cole Anthony, with his scoring ability and ball-handling skills, could serve as an excellent backup to Brunson or even potentially split minutes with him to ensure consistent offensive flow throughout games. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate offense could be an essential piece of the Knicks’ second unit.

2. **Youth and Development:**
The Knicks are still trying to balance competing now with developing their younger players for the future. With Anthony, New York would be adding a player who’s still relatively young and has plenty of room to grow. His upside as a dynamic offensive player could give the Knicks an additional long-term option as they continue to build around their core of stars.

3. **Injury Concerns with Other Guards:**
The Knicks have faced some injury concerns with their other guards. Players like Immanuel Quickley and Derrick Rose have dealt with their own issues, and the team could benefit from an added layer of insurance with a player like Cole Anthony. His durability and ability to play both guard positions make him a versatile addition to any roster, especially one looking to maintain depth throughout the long NBA season.

4. **Team Fit:**
Under head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks have embraced a tough, gritty style of play. While Anthony is known for his offensive prowess, he is also capable of playing solid defense and showing hustle on the court. His style of play would fit well in Thibodeau’s system, where defense and effort are critical. Additionally, Anthony has shown an ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments, which could be beneficial in the Knicks’ push for a playoff spot.

### How Would a Trade for Cole Anthony Impact the Knicks?

If the Knicks pull the trigger on a trade for Cole Anthony, several things could unfold that would impact the team both in the short and long term:

1. **Enhanced Backcourt Depth:**
The most immediate impact would be improved depth in the backcourt. With a reliable secondary ball handler and scorer, the Knicks’ offensive flow would be much more dynamic. Anthony could offer a different look with his scoring ability compared to Brunson’s playmaking. This versatility would allow New York to keep up the pace throughout the game, with one of their guards always on the floor orchestrating the offense.

2. **Increased Competition:**
The addition of a young, talented player like Cole Anthony would increase competition among the Knicks’ guards. Players like Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes would need to step up their game to earn playing time, fostering a competitive atmosphere that could elevate the team’s overall play. Healthy competition for minutes often leads to improved individual performances, as players strive to prove their worth.

3. **Potential Trade Assets:**
If the Knicks can acquire Anthony without giving up too much, this trade could also serve as a way to gather more assets for future moves. Cole Anthony is still relatively young, and his potential to develop into a high-level NBA player could make him a valuable trade asset in the future should the Knicks decide to make a bigger splash in the trade market down the line. Additionally, his contract, still under a rookie deal, provides flexibility for New York’s salary cap.

4. **Impact on Playoff Push:**
The Knicks are firmly in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, and adding a player like Anthony could help them maintain their position or even improve their standing. Anthony’s ability to score, create for others, and inject energy into the offense could be just what the Knicks need to elevate their play in high-pressure moments. His versatility also means he could potentially be an asset in the postseason, where depth and multi-dimensional players become even more valuable.

### What Would the Knicks Need to Give Up?

While the Knicks have a solid roster, they may need to part with a few players or draft assets to make a deal for Cole Anthony happen. The Magic, who are still in a rebuilding phase, would likely be looking for young assets, future draft picks, or expiring contracts in exchange for Anthony. Players like Immanuel Quickley, who has shown significant potential, or even a combination of draft picks and veteran players like Derrick Rose or Evan Fournier could be pieces the Magic are interested in.

However, the Knicks must be careful not to gut their depth too much in a trade, especially considering how crucial bench scoring and defensive contributions are to the team’s success.

### Conclusion: A Bold Move for the Future

The prospect of the New York Knicks pursuing a trade for Cole Anthony is certainly an exciting one. As a dynamic scorer and a player with considerable upside, Anthony could add a much-needed spark to the Knicks’ backcourt, enhancing both their offensive depth and their future potential. While it remains to be seen if the Knicks will indeed pull the trigger on a deal, one thing is clear: New York is making moves to strengthen their roster and build a team capable of competing at the highest level in the NBA. If Cole Anthony does indeed land in New York, it could be a move that pays dividends for years to come.