Knicks' Trade Deadline Watch: Five Deals and Why They Would or Wouldn't Work
Embracing the Trade Season: A Fan's Perspective
Even if the New York Knicks were atop the Eastern Conference and playing flawless basketball, a good portion of the fan base would be upset if they passed the NBA's Feb. 5 trade deadline without making a move. It's trade season, baby! Fans love new faces, and they love fixing the tiniest flaws on the roster. They want to get rid of their least favorite player. So, I've been speaking with front office executives, coaches, and agents over the last few months, trying to get an idea of what the Knicks might do with their roster ahead of the trade deadline. Now, with the date approaching, I want to hear from you.
Last week, I asked fans on X and Bluesky to submit their best, realistic New York trades for me to evaluate and analyze. Some were OK. Some were bad. Regardless, my goal was to bring some perspective as to why a move does or doesn’t make sense for the Knicks. Here are some of the proposals that made it to my desk. Let's talk about them.
Trade Idea No. 1: Jeremy Sochan for Guerschon Yabusele and Pacôme Dadiet
Knicks receive: Jeremy Sochan
San Antonio Spurs receive: Guerschon Yabusele and Pacôme Dadiet
What do I think?
This isn’t a bad trade idea, but I wouldn’t do it. Yes, the Knicks need some defensive help, but Sochan offers nothing offensively. I’d rather roll the dice on the development of Dadiet, even if there hasn’t been much optimism about him this season. He’s still only 20. I’d do this deal, maybe, if I could trade Yabusele straight up for Sochan, but the Knicks can’t do that because Sochan makes more money than Yabusele.
Why won’t it happen?
I’m not 100 percent sure that it won’t, because, as I said, New York could shed some salary for next offseason without giving up much production on the court this season. If the Knicks can’t turn either Yabusele and/or Dadiet into a useful player before the deadline, maybe they would consider something like this. However, they’ll likely hold out for someone who can make an impact for as long as they can.
Trade Idea No. 2: Precious Achiuwa for Pacôme Dadiet
Knicks receive: Precious Achiuwa
Sacramento Kings receive: Pacôme Dadiet
What do I think?
The ‘Big Sneeze’ back to the Big Apple???? While I enjoyed my time covering Achiuwa, I’m not a fan of a reunion in this scenario. In about the same minutes per game, Achiuwa’s numbers in Sacramento are slightly better than they were in New York last year. While he dominated the Knicks last week, Achiuwa is one of those guys who often bites off more than he can chew when given ample opportunities. Yes, he’d be a fine third center. However, the Knicks clearly didn’t want to bring back Achiuwa, who signed a vet minimum deal with the Kings before the season, after last year’s Eastern Conference finals run.
Why won’t it happen?
Again, I’m not 100 percent sure that something like this wouldn’t happen because New York could use another body in the frontcourt. I just wouldn’t do this move.
Trade Idea No. 3: Keon Ellis for Pacôme Dadiet and a (top-8) protected 2026 first-round pick via Washington Wizards
Knicks receive: Keon Ellis
Kings receive: Pacôme Dadiet and a (top-8) protected 2026 first-round pick via Washington Wizards
What do I think?
I see where your head is at, but this is a no from me. For starters, while that Wizards pick will very, very likely become two second-round picks, they’ll probably be solid second-round picks. I’m not giving up two good second-round picks for Ellis, who can’t get consistent burn on a bad Kings team. Additionally, Knicks head coach Mike Brown didn’t play Ellis much when he was manning the sideline for the Kings. There’s probably something to that.
Why won’t it happen?
If the Knicks were to move that Wizards pick, I believe it would be to bring in someone more of a difference-maker than Ellis would be. That pick would be used as a legitimate sweetener to try to get someone like Ayo Dosunmu from Chicago before Ellis.
Trade Idea No. 4: Alexandre Sarr for Miles McBride, Guerschon Yabusele, Pacôme Dadiet, a (top-8) protected 2026 first-round pick via Washington, and a future second-round pick
Knicks receive: Alexandre Sarr
Wizards receive: Miles McBride, Guerschon Yabusele, Pacôme Dadiet, a (top-8) protected 2026 first-round pick via Washington, and a future second-round pick
What do I think?
I think you’re a Knicks fan. New York’s decision-makers should very strongly consider this deal. Sarr would help with the interior defense now, make it easier to move on from Mitchell Robinson in the future, and add some much-needed athleticism and youth.
Why won’t it happen?
It won’t happen because Washington currently has no incentive to move on from Sarr and isn’t really in danger of losing its first-round pick. Now, if this pick were top-1 protected, maybe we’re having a different conversation. It’s not, though, so it won’t happen.
Trade Idea No. 5: Saddiq Bey for Guerschon Yabusele, Pacôme Dadiet, and a (top-8) protected 2026 first-round pick via Washington
Knicks receive: Saddiq Bey
Pelicans receive: Guerschon Yabusele, Pacôme Dadiet, and a (top-8) protected 2026 first-round pick via Washington
What do I think?
Bey could be a rotation player for the Knicks, but I’m not sure he checks the most critical boxes for New York. The 26-year-old forward hasn’t been efficient most of his career, isn’t a great perimeter defender, and isn’t a playmaker off the dribble. However, he’s a hard worker who would fit in nicely in New York’s locker room. So, there’s that.
Why won’t it happen?
This is another one of those proposals where I see the vision, but I’d be surprised if New York gave up that Washington pick for a forward lacking efficiency, defense, and ballhandling. Use a different second-round pick or two, and I think it makes more sense from the Knicks’ perspective.
