New York Knicks Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Knicks Rumors: Clarkson, Olynyk, Grimes, Griffin, Randle, More

January 31st, 2024 at 9:06am CST by Luke Adams

Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson and big man Kelly Olynyk are among the players the Knicks have inquired on ahead of next Thursday’s trade deadline, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Scotto says New York registered trade interest in both Utah players earlier in January.

According to Scotto, Knicks wing Quentin Grimes came up in separate discussions with the Jazz for Clarkson and Olynyk. Ian Begley of SNY.tv previously identified Utah as one of the teams with interest in Grimes.

Sources tell HoopsHype that Olynyk has drawn interest from several clubs and is viewed by rival executives as the Jazz’s top trade candidate, though one NBA scout who spoke to Scotto is more bullish about Clarkson’s ability to make an impact for a new team.

“Whatever team can get Clarkson will be a game changer,” that scout said. “I think he’s the best of the volume scorers available on the trade market.”

Here’s more on the Knicks:

According to Scotto, Grimes has also come up in New York’s discussions with the Hawks, another team previously named by Begley as a team with interest in the third-year swingman. The two clubs discussed Grimes in separate negotiations involving Dejounte Murray and AJ Griffin, per Scotto, who adds that Atlanta views Grimes as a potential three-and-D fit next to Trae Young.
Knicks forward OG Anunoby missed a second consecutive game on Tuesday due to inflammation in his elbow, but he’s still considered day-to-day, so it doesn’t sound like his absence should be a lengthy one, writes Peter Botte of The New York Post. As Botte relays, head coach Tom Thibodeau said on Tuesday that he hopes to have more information on Julius Randle‘s recovery timeline for his dislocated right shoulder within “a day or two.”
Despite being without Anunoby and Randle again, the Knicks won their eighth consecutive game on Tuesday, registering a 118-103 victory at home over Utah. Precious Achiuwa played a significant role in his second start as a Knick, scoring 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting in a season-high 40 minutes. “I’m getting more and more comfortable with my teammates,” Achiuwa said, per Andrew Crane of The New York Post. “They’re getting comfortable with me and my style of play as well, and just playing the right way, making the right reads.”

Atlantic Notes: Morris, Maxey, Embiid, Hartenstein, Celtics, Nwora

January 30th, 2024 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Marcus Morris, who has already been traded once this season, recognizes that his expiring $17.1MM expiring contract makes him a candidate to be dealt again by next Thursday, but the Sixers forward – and Philadelphia native – isn’t let his uncertain future faze him, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Honestly, to be real with you, like I’m a pro, man,” Morris said on Monday. “So I just go into it with the same (stuff), man, to keep my body the same, because regardless of where I go, I’m still going to be able to help the team win if I’m going somewhere.

“I just hoop. … It’s part of a business. I understand it. I’ve been around. So if I go into it and act, like, sorry for myself or feel like it should never happen or anything, I’m being naive to the game. Being here 13 years gets you prepared for (stuff) like this. I’ve been on seven different teams. I’ve been traded a few times. I would be naive to act like I’d been surprised to get traded.”

Morris has played regular minutes for the 76ers since being acquired from the Clippers in the James Harden trade, so the team would likely only move him in a deal that clearly improves the rotation. It’s unclear whether that sort of opportunity will arise at the trade deadline or whether the Sixers’ front office will have to wait into the offseason to pursue more serious upgrades.

“I’m not 100% sure,” Morris said. “This is my hometown. I love it here. I’m just not sure, but I’m prepared for it.”

Here’s more from around the Atlantic:

Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey (left ankle sprain) will miss a third consecutive game on Tuesday, tweets Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT. Star center Joel Embiid may also be out for a third straight contest — he’ll be a game-time decision in Golden State, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Every potential missed game looms large for Embiid and his awards eligibility.
Isaiah Hartenstein was in the Knicks‘ starting lineup on Saturday and Monday after missing two games with an Achilles issue, but only logged 32 total minutes in those games. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic (Twitter link), Hartenstein is on a minutes limit, but could have played up to about 25 minutes on Monday — with New York up big, he only ended up playing 16.
The Celtics could benefit from adding one more big wing to their roster, according to Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, who considers which players around the NBA might be logical targets for the club. Naji Marshall, Saddiq Bey, and Thaddeus Young are among the players Forsberg mentions.
After playing in Milwaukee for his first two-and-a-half NBA seasons, Jordan Nwora has been traded in each of the past two winters. Part of Indiana’s package for Pascal Siakam, Nwora is hoping to stick in Toronto and is looking forward to the opportunity he has with the Raptors, writes Eric Koreen of The Athletic. “It’s a new situation, new opportunity, and in my head, I’m just going to just make the most of it,” he said.

Knicks Re-Sign Taj Gibson To 10-Day Contract

January 30th, 2024 at 12:17pm CST by Luke Adams

12:17pm: The Knicks have officially confirmed Gibson’s new 10-day contract with the team (Twitter link).

10:17am: Just over three weeks after he was waived by the Knicks, veteran big man Taj Gibson has agreed to return to Tom Thibodeau‘s club. Gibson will sign a 10-day contract with New York, agent Mark Bartelstein tells Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link).

A Thibodeau favorite who played for the Knicks from 2019-22, Gibson signed a non-guaranteed, minimum-salary contract with the team on December 15 and appeared in 10 games, averaging 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 9.7 minutes per night.

Initially expected to merely provide some frontcourt depth and locker room leadership, the 38-year-old saw more playing time than anticipated due to injuries to centers Mitchell Robinson and Jericho Sims. However, when Sims got healthy and the Knicks traded for Precious Achiuwa, Gibson once again found himself pushed down the depth chart and was waived on January 7, just before his full-season salary could become guaranteed.

The Knicks have held that 15th roster spot open in recent weeks and once again have a need for frontcourt depth following Julius Randle‘s shoulder injury. Gibson likely won’t immediately step into New York’s rotation, but he’s a veteran whom the coaching staff trusts and can turn to if needed.

Assuming his deal is finalized today, Gibson will be under contract through next Thursday, February 8. He’ll earn a $183,704 salary over the course of his 10-day deal, while New York will carry a $116,075 cap hit.

Trade Rumors: Warriors, D. Murray, Hayward, Lowry, Knicks

January 30th, 2024 at 8:03am CST by Luke Adams

No one will be entirely off the table for the Warriors at the trade deadline except for Stephen Curry, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who said on FanDuel’s Run it Back show (Twitter video link) that Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, and maybe even Klay Thompson are among the players who figure to come up in discussions in the next 10 days.

However, the Warriors are high on youngsters like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, notes Charania, so those players are very unlikely trade candidates.

Additionally, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on Monday (Twitter video link) that she doesn’t expect the Warriors to make any trades affecting their core unless Curry is “on board with that idea.” Thompson and Draymond Green are certainly part of that core, and it seems reasonable to assume Wiggins is in that group as well, given that he’s under contract for three more years and played a key role in Golden State’s 2022 championship.

Here are a few more trade-related notes and rumors from around the NBA:

Hawks guard Dejounte Murray is considered a strong candidate to be moved at next Thursday’s trade deadline, but at least one notable member of the organization doesn’t want to see him go anywhere. Sources tell Marc Stein (Substack link) that head coach Quin Snyder has lobbied the Hawks to hang onto Murray, who is under contract for four seasons beyond this one.
While the Hornets will certainly explore trading Gordon Hayward and Kyle Lowry, two veterans on pricey expiring contracts, both players are considered potential buyout candidates if Charlotte can’t find a deadline deal it likes. However, according to Stein, Hayward is “far less likely” than Lowry to seek a buyout if they’re still in Charlotte after February 8. If the Hornets were to retain Hayward through the end of the season, he would retain his full Bird rights and they’d have the option of re-signing him or signing-and-trading him in the summer. Stein also confirms that the Sixers would have interest in Lowry if he’s bought out, as previously reported.
While the initial reports on Julius Randle‘s shoulder injury are relatively positive, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst notes that shoulder issues can bother players for “months” and have a tendency to reoccur. As Adam Zagoria of NJ.com relays, Windhorst argued during a TV segment that the Knicks should consider making a move on the trade market to help offset the loss of Randle.
Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter link) passes along an interesting stat about movable first-round draft picks, noting that just 11 teams control 75% of the first-rounders that can be traded.

Knicks Notes: Randle, Hart, Anunoby, Achiuwa, Fournier

January 29th, 2024 at 6:26pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau wouldn’t speculate prior to their game against Charlotte on Monday how much time Julius Randle might miss, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post tweets.

Randle dislocated his right shoulder against Miami on Saturday and is expected to be out at least a few weeks, though an MRI revealed no significant damage.

“He’s being smart right now, as are we. So we’re gathering the information then we’ll make a good decision once we have the information,” Thibodeau said. “I think that’s a big part of decision making. To speculate before you have all the information would just speculation.”

We have more on the Knicks:

Josh Hart said the early prognosis on Randle’s injury is reason for optimism, Bondy reports in another tweet.“That has us in good spirits that he’s not going to be out too long,” Hart said. “We have to stay afloat during that time. I think we have the pieces to do that.”
While Randle mends, Hart could be inserted into the lineup at the three with OG Anunoby to power forward, Mark W. Sanchez of the Post writes. The could also go with a more traditional lineup, with Precious Achiuwa starting, or even consider a very small unit with Quentin Grimes in place of Randle. Jericho Sims will likely take on a bigger role, Sanchez adds.
Anunoby was a late scratch on Monday due to right elbow inflammation, the team’s PR department tweets. He’s averaging 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 14 starts since being acquired from Toronto. Hart and Achiuwa started on Monday in place of Anunoby and Randle, Ian Begley of SNY TV tweets.
Evan Fournier did not travel with the team due to personal reasons, Fred Katz of The Athletic tweets. Fournier, who has appeared in only three games, is a prime trade candidate due to his contract, which includes a $19MM club option for next season.

Central Notes: Duren, Pistons, Haliburton, Mitchell, Mobley

January 29th, 2024 at 12:00pm CST by Arthur Hill

Jalen Duren had 22 points and 21 rebounds as the Pistons surprised Oklahoma City on Sunday, but he didn’t want anyone to think that’s all he did, writes Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit News. “And six assists,” Duren pointed out as he spoke with reporters after the game. Cade Cunningham was a late scratch as he continues his recovery from a knee strain, so Detroit ran some of its offense through the second-year center.

“Honestly, we were able to get the win and that’s what I’m most happy about, it’s a big-time win,” Duren said. “Especially after yesterday. Just happy about that. 20 and 20 is 20 and 20, but for me I knew it was bound to happen at some time so I wasn’t really that worried about it.”

Duren has been one of the few bright spots for the Pistons, but Sankofa reports that the organization still believes it can salvage something from this season despite a 6-40 record and a historic losing streak. Duren has become much more polished that he was as a rookie, Sankofa adds, displaying better touch and footwork around the basket while being given more leeway to handle the ball and create plays under new coach Monty Williams.

“I just think he’s putting the work in,” Williams said. “I’ve told him if he’s gonna be the guy that we feel like he can be, he’s gotta own that position. Earlier, I thought that he was renting it because he would show flashes of it and then you wouldn’t see it. We just talk about the work that goes into being a solid player, then a good player, then a really good player and then a great player, on and on and on, you have to put in tons of work and just repeat those moves.”

There’s more from the Central Division:

With the trade deadline nearing, James L. Edwards of The Athletic talks with other Athletic writes about potential Pistons deals involving Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks. They review proposed trades with the Lakers, Knicks and Thunder.
The Pacers are optimistic that Tyrese Haliburton will be available Tuesday night against Boston after missing 10 of the last 11 games with a left hamstring injury, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell participated in today’s shootaround and is listed as probable to play tonight after undergoing a scare involving a groin injury late in the Milwaukee game, tweets Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Evan Mobley also took part in the shootaround amid reports that he’ll be able to return soon following left knee surgery (Twitter link).

Julius Randle Expected To Miss Several Weeks, But MRI Reveals No Significant Damage

January 29th, 2024 at 9:51am CST by Arthur Hill

Julius Randle continues to undergo testing for his dislocated right shoulder, but Knicks officials are optimistic that his absence will be “measured in weeks and not months,” sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Initial reviews of an MRI he had this weekend indicate no significant damage, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic.

A source confirms to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post (Twitter link) that there’s hope Randle will be back before the end of the season, but cautions that the diagnosis is “not conclusive” yet, noting that more tests were performed after the MRI. Steve Popper of Newsday tweets that there was an upbeat feeling about Randle at this morning’s shootaround and notes that next month’s All-Star break will give him an additional week to recover without affecting the season.

Surgery hasn’t been ruled out, but the testing so far provides a reason to believe that Randle can recover without it, adds Ian Begley of SNY.tv (Twitter link).

Randle suffered the injury on a drive to the basket late in Saturday’s game against Miami. As Jaime Jaquez attempted to draw a change, Randle landed awkwardly with his right arm extended. He headed toward the training staff and was taken to the locker room for X-rays.

Randle has been one of the on-court leaders for the Knicks, who have won 12 of their last 14 games to surge into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Through 46 games, he’s averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per night.

Knicks Notes: Randle, Anunoby, Hartenstein

January 28th, 2024 at 10:28pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

The rhythm of the Knicks‘ offense seems liable to be thrown out of whack with All-Star power forward Julius Randle now shelved due to a dislocated right shoulder, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post.

New York has been rolling of late, with six straight victories to its credit. 6’4″ swingman Josh Hart has functioned as Randle’s primary backup this season.

Bondy posits that, though players like Hart, OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Jericho Sims can assume bigger roles in Randle’s stead, the team will still miss the way his presence has bent opposing defenses. The two-time All-NBA vet is the club’s second-leading scorer, averaging 24.0 PPG, while also chipping in 9.2 RPG and 5.0 APG.

“You don’t want to see that from anybody,” teammate Jalen Brunson said. “Especially the way he’s been playing… He means a lot to us.”

There’s more out of New York:

Among the Knicks who should look to increase their output with Randle unavailable, OG Anunoby especially needs to be more aggressive as a scorer, writes Steve Popper of Newsday. Across his 14 contests since being traded to New York from the Raptors, the 6’7″ wing is averaging 15.6 PPG on .516/.391/.842 shooting, 4.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.5 APG and 1.1 BPG. The Knicks have gone 12-2 in those games and are currently the East’s No. 4 seed with a 29-17 record.
After missing two games due to an Achilles tendinopathy, Knicks reserve center Isaiah Hartenstein looked like his old self upon rejoining New York’s lineup against the Heat, writes Mark W. Sanchez of The New York Post. Hartenstein had previously played in 164 straight contests for the club. “I’m past it,” Hartenstein said. “It’s like normal tendinitis. It’s nothing like, ‘Oh, it’s the end of the world.’ You just manage it so it’s nothing crazy.”
In case you missed it, the Knicks are said to be considering a move for Jazz shooting guard Jordan Clarkson ahead of this season’s February 8 trade deadline.

Julius Randle Suffers Dislocated Right Shoulder

January 27th, 2024 at 5:29pm CST by Arthur Hill

Knicks forward Julius Randle dislocated his right shoulder in this afternoon’s game against Miami, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. An X-ray didn’t reveal much damage, a source tells Wojnarowski, but the team will get a better idea of his condition when an MRI is taken tonight.

Randle was injured on a drive to the basket with 4:27 left to play, according to Steve Popper of Newsday. Jaime Jaquez stepped in front of him in an attempt to draw a charge, and Randle landed awkwardly with his right arm extended. He immediately went to the training staff and was taken to the locker room.

“I don’t want to see anybody get hurt, but that’s part of the game,” coach Tom Thibodeau said in his post-game press conference (Twitter link from Knicks reporter Adam Zagoria).

Thibodeau declined to speculate on the severity of the injury, but he expressed confidence that the team’s reserves can fill in for as long as Randle is sidelined.

Randle has been one of the leaders for New York, which has won 12 of its last 14 games to rise into fourth place in the East. The veteran big man has been making a strong push for his third All-Star selection, averaging 24.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists through 45 games while shooting 47.3% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range.

With 12 days remaining until the trade deadline, the Knicks may be forced to shop around the league for help at power forward if Randle’s injury is significant.

Knicks Notes: Hartenstein, Hart, Anunoby, Brown, Burks, Thibs

January 27th, 2024 at 2:00pm CST by Luke Adams

After missing the Knicks‘ past two games due to left Achilles tendinopathy, center Isaiah Hartenstein will return on Saturday afternoon vs. Miami and is reentering the starting lineup, tweets Ian Begley of SNY.tv. Head coach Tom Thibodeau had previously said on Thursday that Hartenstein was doing “a lot better” (Twitter link).

Hartenstein became the Knicks’ starting center last month following Mitchell Robinson‘s ankle injury. The veteran big man has averaged 7.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks in his 17 starts (33.8 MPG). New York has gone 11-6 during that stretch.

Here’s more on the Knicks:

Josh Hart, who griped about his role with the Knicks earlier this season, still doesn’t agree with the notion that he’s a power forward and isn’t necessarily thrilled by his career-low 12.1% usage rate. However, he has gotten on board with what the team has asked him to do and embraced his new role, writes Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. “Yeah, it took me 40 games. It’s a process,” Hart said. “Obviously it’s not something I thought it was going to be like entering the year. But it’s where we’re at. Now it’s just you got to sacrifice and do some of that.”
In a subscriber-only story for The Post, Bondy takes a deep dive into how OG Anunoby‘s arrival and explains how his impact has gone beyond his defense. Within the same article, Bondy says Raptors guard Bruce Brown and Pistons guard Alec Burks are the two potential trade targets he has heard connected most frequently to the Knicks as of late.
Would it be in the Knicks’ best interest to stand pat at the trade deadline, given how well they’re playing recently? Steve Popper of Newsday considers that question, writing that if the team does make a move on the trade market, a player’s fit will be as important as his skill.
In yet another story for The New York Post, Bondy shines a light on the role that Thibodeau has played in the Knicks’ success this season, pointing out that several key players on the roster are playing the best basketball of their respective careers and arguing that wouldn’t happen “without the touch of a great — and tirelessly focused — coach.”