New York Knicks: 3 takeaways from the NBA trade deadline

By Chip Murphy | Apr 2, 2021

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on March 29, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks 98-88. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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Second takeaway from the trade deadline: The Knicks will be active in the buyout market

The Knicks have two open roster spots after trading Rivers and Brazdeikis. In the wake of Mitchell Robinson’s latest injury, adding another big man is likely a priority. Andre Drummond and Gorgui Dieng are no longer available. Neither is DeMarcus Cousins. The Knicks have already been linked to less familiar names like Norvel Pelle and John Henson (via SNY’s Ian Begley).

The New York Post’s Marc Berman reported that Pelle was under consideration by the team earlier in the season when Robinson broke his hand. Pelle added shot-blocking in 24 games for the Sixers last season but hasn’t managed to find a home this year — with short stints in Cleveland, Brooklyn, and Sacramento.

Henson spent 29 games in Cleveland during Brock Aller’s tenure with the franchise. But the eight-year vet hasn’t played an NBA game since March of last year. It’s hard to imagine he’ll be able to contribute much to a potential playoff run.

Pelle and Henson aren’t the only players available. Marquese Chriss is a free agent that might be worth taking a shot on. He’s a former top-ten pick, and he’s still just 23 years old. It’s a low-risk signing if you feel like you can be the team that gets something out of Chriss.

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