The New York Knicks have a roster capable of contending for a championship, but it’s still incomplete due to a lack of bench depth. The team averages only 21.3 bench points per game this season, ranking dead last in the NBA.
Knicks could pursue Corey Kispert in a trade
To improve their scoring from the bench, the Knicks should focus on adding high-level reserve players who can score efficiently. Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz suggested that New York should consider trading for Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert.
“Already with one of the best starting fives in all of basketball, the New York Knicks should be on the lookout for depth at the trade deadline,” Swartz wrote.
Kispert would be a strong addition for the Knicks’ second unit, bringing solid scoring ability. This season, he’s averaging 11.4 points on 45% shooting from the floor and 35% from three in 44 games off the bench with the Wizards.
Kispert would also add some size to the Knicks’ bench, standing at 6’7” and 220 pounds. Currently, the Knicks’ bench is quite guard-heavy, with players like Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet making up the majority of the second unit. Adding Kispert could provide some much-needed balance and versatility.
Trading for Kispert could come at the cost of Mitchell Robinson
Kispert does have a relatively hefty contract for a reserve player, earning an average salary of $13.5 million per season. As a result, if the Knicks wanted to trade for him, it would likely require sending Mitchell Robinson the other way to match salaries.
Robinson is nearing a return from the ankle surgery he had in the offseason, but the Knicks seem reluctant to move him unless it’s for a true upgrade with a favorable return. Kispert could be just the kind of upgrade the Knicks need for their bench, instantly becoming their top scoring option in the second unit and offering Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart some additional rest.
With the trade deadline fast approaching this Thursday at 3 P.M. EST, the Knicks have a limited window to make a move that boosts their depth—and perhaps Kispert could end up on their radar.