Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls
The New York Knicks are facing a tough stretch as injuries have depleted their bench, with key players like Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa sidelined. As a result, head coach Tom Thibodeau has been forced to lean heavily on his starters, stretching their minutes to the limit. With limited trade assets following two significant trades this past summer, the Knicks’ options for improving their roster seem constrained. However, there is still potential for a smaller deal to bolster the team’s depth.
One potential move that could make sense for the Knicks is targeting Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls. According to Jed Katz of Sports Illustrated’s ‘Knicks on SI,’ Vucevic could be a valuable addition to the Knicks’ frontcourt.
Vucevic’s Fit with the Knicks
Vucevic, who has been performing at an elite level this season, could add a scoring dimension to the Knicks’ offense. The 34-year-old center is currently averaging 20.9 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting a staggering 57.7% from the field and 46.9% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor, combined with his rebounding prowess, would make him an excellent fit for the Knicks’ revamped offense, which now features Karl-Anthony Towns as the centerpiece of a five-out system.
The addition of Vucevic would provide New York with a reliable scoring option off the bench while also bolstering their rebounding and playmaking. His shooting ability from the perimeter — a career 34.6% three-point shooter — would maintain the spacing the Knicks have come to rely on with Towns, giving them more flexibility and depth offensively.
The Potential Trade Package
With the Knicks currently facing a roster shortage, trading for Vucevic could be a smart move. The Bulls, having shifted toward a roster reset, are looking to move their veteran talent. Vucevic, in particular, may be available at a relatively low price. According to Jake Fischer in The SteinLine Newsletter, Vucevic’s asking price would likely begin with two second-round draft picks.
The Knicks have the assets to make this trade work. Mitchell Robinson’s $14.3 million salary could be used to match Vucevic’s $20 million salary, making the financials feasible. New York also has second-round picks that could be the key to getting the deal done. However, there is the potential risk of losing Robinson, who has been a defensive anchor for the Knicks. While Vucevic brings more offensive skill, his defensive game isn’t as strong as Robinson’s, and that would be a trade-off that Thibodeau would need to consider carefully.
Vucevic’s Role on the Knicks
The big question for Vucevic would be his willingness to accept a bench role. As a veteran who has started for most of his career, including since his sophomore season in 2012, it remains to be seen if he would be open to playing behind Karl-Anthony Towns. However, the chance to join a competitive Knicks team with championship aspirations could sway him.
Vucevic’s addition would be particularly valuable given Robinson’s injury history. Having a more durable option like Vucevic could offer the Knicks greater stability in the frontcourt, especially in terms of offensive consistency. Additionally, his leadership and experience would be crucial in a locker room that relies on a mix of youth and veterans.
Conclusion: A Trade That Makes Sense
While the Knicks’ bench remains thin due to injuries, Vucevic could be an ideal solution to shore up their center depth. His ability to space the floor and rebound efficiently fits well with the Knicks’ current system and would provide much-needed support behind Towns.
Whether or not Vucevic would accept a reduced role remains a key factor, but if the Knicks can make it work, it would be a savvy move that could pay dividends as the team pushes toward the postseason. For New York, the right trade could be the missing piece to elevate their roster and make them even more dangerous in the competitive Eastern Conference.
