The New York Knicks are in a strong position to add a veteran wing via the buyout market—but who will they target?
As of Thursday, the Knicks hold a 38-20 record and sit third in the Eastern Conference, making it the right time to bolster their roster for a playoff push.
Game Recap: Knicks 110, 76ers 105
While Mitchell Robinson is nearing his return, New York still relies on a relatively short rotation of six or seven players. Last season, a lack of depth hurt the team, as injuries piled up throughout the playoffs.
To avoid a similar issue, the Knicks should use the buyout market to acquire a player who can contribute solid minutes.
According to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III, that player could be a former No. 14 overall pick currently excelling with the Knicks’ G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.
“(TJ) Warren, a veteran swingman, will be near the top of the list for the Knicks (on the buyout market),” Edwards III wrote.
“The 31-year-old has spent the season with the club’s G League squad in Westchester and has had some monster performances. On the G League season, Warren is averaging 24.8 points while shooting 36.7 percent from 3 on 9.8 (!) attempts per game. Warren has always been a scorer and continues to be even as he’s had to take a step down to try and latch back on with an NBA team.”
“Warren is a 6-foot-8 wing, and New York could use one on its bench. The willingness to shoot (and make at a solid clip) would be the draw here. The Knicks rank 28th in 3-point attempts per game. It also doesn’t hurt that Warren has been in the Knicks’ ecosystem all year and was with the main ball club during training camp.”
“It’s not a bad idea to have another player on the bench who is able and willing to let it fly.”
Warren, drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2014, has also played for the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Many fans remember his dominant performance in the 2020 NBA Bubble when he erupted for 53 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, going 20-for-29 from the field. While he’s no longer at that peak, Warren remains a scoring threat off the bench.
