BREAKING: New York Knicks Reportedly Trade Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin was the eighth pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks and has spent his first three years in the league with the franchise.
However, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the former Dayton star will be heading to the Indiana Pacers in a trade.
Via Wojnarowski: "Knicks are finalizing trade to send F Obi Toppin to the Pacers for two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Deal gives Toppin an opportunity to play a more significant role in Indiana and stacks up more draft assets for New York. Deal can’t be completed until Thursday."
Toppin is coming off a season where he averaged 7.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 44.6% from the field in 67 regular season games.
The Knicks were the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs in five games.
However, they lost to the Miami Heat in the second round in six games.
During Toppin's tenure with the franchise, the Knicks made the Playoffs twice, and he has career averages of 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per contest while shooting 49.2% from the field.
Based on what the Pacers gave up, the move could turn out to be a smart one because he is still only 25 years old.
Last year, the Pacers were the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference, but they were competitive during the first half of the season.
They also have a franchise cornerstone with All-Star point guard Tyrese Halliburton.
