Interior Depth Labeled Knicks' Biggest Trade Deadline Need After Randle, Hartenstein Injuries
As they continue to surge up the Eastern Conference leaderboard, the streaking New York Knicks have plenty of opportunities to find reinforcements before next week's NBA trade deadline.
But with relatively limited assets after already dealing away RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, they may need to focus on shoring up one area, especially considering recent events.
Sam Stein, USA TODAY SPORTS
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey kept past and present New York injuries in mind when listing each team's biggest deadline need with just over a week to go until Feb. 8, citing the importance of interior depth with Mitchell Robinson's return uncertain and Isaiah Hartenstein missing two games due to Achilles soreness.
"Mitchell Robinson, who's only played 21 games this season, remains out with an ankle injury. Now Isaiah Hartenstein (missed) games with Achilles tendinopathy (though his issue doesn't seem as serious)," Bailey writes. "Jericho Sims has had his moments as the third-stringer, but if New York has some indication that Robinson's ankle could plague him into the playoffs, it might want to find a more reliable backup behind Hartenstein,"
That doesn't even take into account the questions surrounding Julius Randle after Saturday's win over the Miami Heat. While it appears that the Knicks may have avoided a major incident, replacing a two-time All-Star's production is never easy. Precious Achiuwa has been a solid fill-in option but the Knicks could look for a more pure, traditional center to back up Hartenstein, especially if Robinson's injury proves season-ending.
Currently boasting the NBA's longest active winning streak, the Knicks (30-17) have four more games before the deadline, starting with Tuesday's visit from the Utah Jazz (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
