NBA Trade Rumors: Heading into the start of the offseason, New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin is one trade candidate to watch over the next few weeks.
Fresh off a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals, the hope around the New York Knicks has completely changed. This is now a franchise that has pep in its step heading into the offseason.
However, as it would happen, it seems that not everyone on the roster is on the same page. And that could lead to an interesting next few weeks for the Knicks.
According to a recent report, Obi Toppin may not be happy with his role with the Knicks and he could emerge as a possible trade candidate.
Toppin may not be the only big in New York that is not happy with his role. At certain points in this past season, it was rumored that Mitchell Robinson was not happy. At this point, both are names that have to be monitored heading into the NBA Draft and free agency.
Would the New York Knicks move Obi Toppin or Mitchell Robinson?
I don’t think it’s “likely” that the Knicks trade either of those players at the moment. Both emerged as key cogs for the team this past season and into the playoffs. If a bigger deal does develop for the team, which they’ll be scouring the league for one, then both those names could emerge as likely inclusions in such a move.
That said, it would be malpractice for the Knicks to trade one or even both of those players just for the sake of trading them. One factor to keep in mind, however, is the fact that Toppin is eligible for a contract extension and after next season will have the opportunity to test restricted free agency.
If the Knicks already know they don’t want to pay Toppin, perhaps there’s a greater chance that a trade materializes, and sooner rather than later. It’s something to keep an eye on depending on how the offseason develops for the Knicks.
Interstingly, with the NBA Draft week here, the Knicks have been pretty quiet. You’d have to imagine that they could be working behind the scenes on potential deals. Or, at the very least, mapping out how they envision their offseason going.
The Knicks are largely expected to be active this offseason. This could all just be the quiet before the storm. The question is, will Toppin be involved in that storm in any capacity?