New York Knicks: 6 Realistic in-season trade targets to help keep pace in East

Heading into the start of the 2023-24 NBA season, the New York Knicks may need to make a difference-making in-season trade to keep pace with the top of the Eastern Conference. 

While you can make an argument that the Eastern Conference as a whole got weaker this offseason, the top of the conference did get better. And perhaps significantly. The Milwaukee Bucks added Damian Lillard and the Boston Celtics acquired Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

If the New York Knicks are going to compete with the likes of those teams this season, they’re likely going to have to make a trade for a true difference-maker at some point before the NBA Trade Deadline – similar to the way they acquired Josh Hart just before the stretch run last season.

The good news for the Knicks is that there will be plenty of potential in-season targets to help the team keep pace with the top of the East. Let’s explore six difference-makers who could help catapult the Knicks to another deep playoff run this season.

Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers

The Knicks could use another playmaker and offensive-minded player to take some of the overwhelming pressure that is on the shoulders of Jalen Brunson. A move for Malcolm Brogdon would help on that front. Plus, he’s a player who can play next to Brunson or even come off the bench as a sixth man.

Brogdon makes sense for the Knicks on many different levels. Even though he was recently traded to the Portland Trail Blazers (as part of the Jrue Holiday deal), it would be extremely surprising if he wasn’t back on the trade block at some point before the deadline.

If the Knicks want to solidify their backcourt, Brogdon is a player that they could target at a relatively cheap price at the trade deadline.