As rotation shortens, New York Knicks look to make moves

Reddish, acquired by the Knicks in a midseason deal with Atlanta last season, has seemingly been in Thibodeau’s doghouse since arriving in New York. After a shoulder injury limited him to 15 games with the Knicks last season, he became the subject of offseason trade talks. 

Early this season, however, Reddish carved out a significant role. As New York waited for Quentin Grimes to recover from a preseason foot injury, Reddish took over his minutes and earned eight starts. 

However, a poor defensive effort in last Saturday’s 121-100 loss to the Mavericks was enough for Thibodeau to pull the plug on the Reddish and Rose experience. 

Showing signs of aging, Rose has been replaced by second-year defensive specialist Miles “Deuce” McBride. According to Fox Sports’ Ric Bucher, the Mavericks are interested in trading for Rose. 

The Knicks likely will not receive a strong return for him, but there is no reason for Rose to play over their younger guards. 

New York has had recent discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers regarding a potential three-team deal that would involve Reddish, per SNY’s Ian Begley. New York could use Reddish to incentivize another team into absorbing Fournier’s regrettable contract. 

Fournier makes sense for the Lakers, who are last in three-point percentage. 

Talks are not close as the teams search for a third organization to complete the trade. The Lakers may be looking for another team that is willing to take on Russell Westbrook’s expiring deal. 

Begley noted that the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks also expressed interest in Reddish. 

A restricted free agent this summer, Reddish could have plenty of suitors. With him removed from plans, it is in the Knicks’ best interest to move on, even if they have tanked his trade value. 

While unfortunate that it will likely cost Reddish to get out of Fournier’s contract, New York must  make moves for the future. Additional cap space and extra draft picks will give president Leon Rose options for a big move. 

In Wednesday’s blowout win over the Hawks, Reddish, Rose and Fournier didn’t even get garbage-time minutes. Svi Mykhailiuk was the last man off the bench for New York. 

With Obi Toppin out for an extended period, perhaps Reddish will be back in the rotation to raise his stock.