Knicks urged against trading for Lakers' 20.2 PPG rising star

The New York Knicks have bolstered their second unit this offseason, aiming to make another deep playoff run following their loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. 

New York added Guerschon Yabusele in the frontcourt and a microwave scorer in Jordan Clarkson to the backcourt. However, the Knicks may not be done making moves just yet. Mikal Bridges is eligible for a lucrative extension, and it appears unlikely the Knicks will let him walk for nothing if a deal isn’t reached — especially considering the significant haul they gave up to acquire him. If New York decides to pivot after just one season, Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers could be a potential target. 

MORE: Knicks not extending Mikal Bridges until $175 million star has situation 'settled'

Reaves is coming off a career-best year in 2024-25. He holds a player option for the 2026-27 campaign and will likely opt out in pursuit of a larger contract. While Dylan Backer of Empire Sports Media believes the team could pull off a trade for the 27-year-old guard, he cautions against sacrificing the Knicks’ defensive core to do so. 

“Reaves could help enhance the Knicks’ scoring load, but they would take a huge hit defensively if adding him came at the cost of Bridges or Anunoby,” Backer wrote. “New York struggled with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns sharing the floor defensively, and Reaves would surely not help improve their defense.” 

Reaves would offer New York a stronger secondary ball-handler alongside Brunson, but he would also be a clear defensive downgrade compared to Bridges or Anunoby. The Knicks would also have no guarantee of retaining him on a long-term deal. 

New York will likely run it back with its upgraded depth in a wide-open Eastern Conference. While the idea of adding Reaves is certainly intriguing, the team would risk a significant defensive drop-off on the wing. 

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