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Why Knicks Must Trade Obi Toppin This Offseason

Obi Toppin is on the trade block for the New York Knicks. Will he be dealt this summer?
Jeremy Brener|
Why Knicks Must Trade Obi Toppin This Offseason
Why Knicks Must Trade Obi Toppin This Offseason

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New York Knicks

NBA free agency spawns a lot of change around the league. But in the opening hours of the 2023 edition, the New York Knicks were silent.

There were no new deals to report on for the Knicks on Friday night, but they officially lost Derrick Rose, who signed with the Memphis Grizzlies to return to his collegiate home and mentor Ja Morant.

This time a year ago, Knicks fans were making a lot of noise, specifically screaming from the rooftops after signing Jalen Brunson away from the Dallas Mavericks.

Now, they need to make some noise and say goodbye to power forward Obi Toppin.

NBA insider Marc Stein is reporting that the Indiana Pacers are reportedly a target for Toppin should the Knicks deal him. 

Toppin averaged 7.4 points per game this past season, a step below his mark from 2021-22. His status as a former top 10 pick hints at a ton of potential, but he's got a roadblock in his way ... Julius Randle.

The Knicks probably didn't expect Randle, who was just one season into his New York tenure when Toppin was drafted, to break out as an All-Star. Had they known, New York probably wouldn't have taken a power forward with such a high pick.

Toppin is about to enter the final year of his rookie contract before he hits restricted free agency next summer. Should he have the opportunity to walk and find an opportunity to play more elsewhere, it would be silly to believe that Toppin wouldn't take it.

It also doesn't make sense for the Knicks to keep him, especially if Randle is going to continue roadblocking his way to the starting lineup.

At this point, Toppin's value probably won't be much higher than it is right now. If the Knicks find an offer, they should seriously consider parting ways with their former No. 8 pick.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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