The New York Knicks, after a solid regular season and playoff appearance in 2023, are looking to make the necessary moves to continue their upward trajectory in the Eastern Conference. While the team has shown promise, it’s no secret that some changes may be on the horizon, especially regarding its bench unit. According to recent rumors, the Knicks could be contemplating the possibility of cutting ties with their $73 million bench duo via a summer trade. This duo, consisting of Julius Randle’s backup Obi Toppin and point guard Derrick Rose, represents both a significant portion of the team’s financial resources and some of their most notable non-starter assets.
### The $73 Million Bench Duo
Obi Toppin, selected by the Knicks with the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has been a source of both potential and frustration for the team. The 6’9” forward is known for his athleticism, particularly his dunking ability, and his potential to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. However, despite his flashes of brilliance, Toppin has struggled to find consistent minutes behind Julius Randle, who has emerged as the team’s primary power forward and offensive leader.
Toppin’s role has been restricted to the bench, and his playing time has been inconsistent, often leading to concerns that the Knicks may not be able to fully develop his potential as a versatile forward. While Toppin has shown he can make an impact when on the floor, the presence of Randle and the Knicks’ current rotation have kept him from reaching his full potential. With Toppin entering the final years of his rookie deal, the Knicks may explore the possibility of trading him to a team that could give him more minutes and a more significant role.
On the other hand, Derrick Rose, the 2011 NBA MVP, has had a storied career, but his time in New York has been marked by injury struggles and a reduced role. After coming to the Knicks in 2021 as part of a trade with the Detroit Pistons, Rose was initially a key contributor, providing scoring and leadership off the bench. However, the veteran guard has found himself marginalized in recent seasons as the Knicks’ backcourt has become more crowded, especially with the rise of Jalen Brunson and the addition of Immanuel Quickley.
With a $14 million salary for the 2023-2024 season, Rose represents a significant chunk of the Knicks’ cap space. His reduced role on the floor, coupled with his age and injury history, has made him less essential to the team’s long-term plans. While Rose remains a respected figure in the locker room, his trade value is now likely lower than it has been in the past, which makes him a potential trade candidate this summer.
### The Trade Considerations
For the Knicks, trading Toppin and Rose would allow them to shed some salary and potentially acquire additional assets, whether that’s a key player to bolster their playoff chances or draft picks that could aid in future rebuilding efforts. The team has a solid core in place with players like Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett, and the focus now is on surrounding that core with complementary pieces to make a deep playoff push. Moving on from Toppin and Rose could open up flexibility for the Knicks to pursue those moves.
1. **Obi Toppin’s Potential Trade Market**
Toppin is an intriguing trade asset. The former Dayton standout has displayed flashes of the high-flying dunker he was in college, and his ability to space the floor with his shooting has drawn the attention of teams looking for a young, versatile forward. While his defense has been questioned, his athleticism and offensive upside could appeal to a rebuilding team or one in need of a player to develop into a larger role.
Teams like the Indiana Pacers or Sacramento Kings—both with young, dynamic rosters—could be potential destinations for Toppin. They might see him as a player who could thrive with more playing time and in a system designed to maximize his skills. The Knicks could look to acquire draft picks, a backup big man, or another young player with untapped potential in exchange for Toppin.
2. **Derrick Rose’s Leadership and Experience**
While Rose’s on-court impact has waned due to injuries and a diminished role, his leadership and championship pedigree still carry significant weight. There are teams in contention who might be interested in adding Rose as a veteran presence off the bench. A team like the Los Angeles Clippers or Milwaukee Bucks could benefit from his experience and scoring ability, especially in the postseason, where his ability to provide a spark could come in handy.
However, the challenge for the Knicks is finding a suitable trade partner that can accommodate Rose’s remaining salary, which could limit the number of teams interested in his services. Given Rose’s expiring contract and his diminishing role in New York, the Knicks may need to attach an asset or draft picks to make the trade more appealing to another team.
### The Cap Space and Flexibility
The Knicks are sitting in a good financial position, with flexibility to make a significant move if they choose to. By trading Toppin and Rose, the team could free up additional cap space, which might be useful in the 2024 offseason if they look to pursue a star player in free agency or target an established talent via trade. This maneuver could also give them more financial breathing room to extend current players like Immanuel Quickley, who is due for a new contract soon.
Moreover, the removal of both Toppin’s and Rose’s salaries from the books would allow the Knicks to better balance their salary cap in the coming seasons. New York has been linked to several big-name players in recent years, and any move that frees up additional room for such an acquisition could be a strategic play in their quest to build a true contender around Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
### Conclusion: A Strategic Shift for the Knicks
Cutting ties with the $73 million bench duo of Obi Toppin and Derrick Rose would represent a significant shift for the New York Knicks, one that could have long-term implications for their roster construction. Moving on from Toppin, a player with untapped potential, may be difficult for some Knicks fans to accept, but the reality is that his role has been limited, and his value may never be higher than it is now. Likewise, Derrick Rose’s time in New York appears to be winding down, and a trade could provide both him and the Knicks a fresh start.
Ultimately, the Knicks’ decision to move on from this duo will depend on the return they can get in a trade. Whether it’s draft capital, a promising young player, or a more established contributor, this trade would provide New York with the flexibility to make more aggressive moves in the future. With their eye on becoming a true championship contender, cutting ties with Toppin and Rose could be a necessary step in the Knicks’ ongoing evolution.
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