The Knicks are actively exploring the trade market to find a replacement for Isaiah Hartenstein, aiming to complement Mitchell Robinson. Despite Robinson being one of the best defensive big men when healthy, his inconsistent availability—having only played over 70 games once in his career—requires the Knicks to seek a starting-caliber player to reduce the risk of injuries.
Potential Trade Targets and Opportunities
The Knicks have been linked to several big men, including Walker Kessler, Nick Richards, and Jalen Duren. However, acquiring Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks might be a viable option for the front office to consider.
According to Bucks insider Gery Woelfel, Lopez might be available for trade, and the Knicks could be a logical destination if they manage to clear enough salary space. The 36-year-old veteran is set to earn $23 million this upcoming season, a substantial amount but still $6 million less per season than what Hartenstein secured from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Sources claim the Bucks are still very receptive to trading veteran Brook Lopez, but the Bucks’ asking price of a first-round draft pick for a 36-year-old center with a $23M contract is too rich,” Woelfel tweeted.
Brook Lopez: A Veteran Presence with Valuable Experience
The Knicks need experience, and Lopez can provide that. Last year, he played 79 games, marking his second consecutive season with at least 78 games played. He averaged 30.5 minutes per game, scoring 12.5 points, grabbing 5.2 rebounds, dishing out 1.6 assists, and blocking 2.4 shots per game.
Despite being a bit slower, Lopez could be an ideal fit for the Knicks’ more conservatively-paced offense. He’s been a solid three-point shooter throughout his career, consistently making clutch shots. Lopez was named a first-team defensive player in 2023 and ranked second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Adding Lopez could enhance the Knicks’ defense, as he excels at protecting the boards and is an underrated playmaker.
Financial and Strategic Considerations for Acquiring Lopez
The key question is whether the front office can open up enough salary space to finalize the deal. The Knicks currently sit at the first apron at $178 million, but if they offload a bit more salary, they could reach the $189.5 million second apron, providing just enough room to acquire Lopez.
