Knicks Obi Toppin Wants Out? Trade scenarios That Can Make Him Stay!
Written By Geoff Rasmussen
This is very unfortunate as a Knicks fan, the hometown hero, Obi Toppin, has effectively come to an agreement with the Knicks organization to trade him this summer. Obi does not deserve this, the Knicks brought him on so he could eventually start. With Julius Randle expanding and becoming an all-star, there was no space for Obi on the floor, and frankly, it should upset the Knicks' ownership.
For the time Obi has started for the Knicks, he averaged 21.8 points per game (PPG), 3.2 rebounds per game (RPG), 3.4 assists per game (APG), 1.2 steals per game (SPG), and just over one turnover per game (TPG).
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These numbers only reflect just a glimpse of what Obi can become, and I cannot help but wonder if the Knicks are wasting his potential. The Knicks front office have done wonders for this team, I do not think the Knicks get Jalen Brunson without Leon Rose, and also Tom Thibodeau. However, I feel like I have the perfect off-season plan for the Knicks to utilize to use Obi effectively while also becoming a better basketball team at the same time. A few contingencies that need to happen for this plan to work are, Joel Embiid formally requesting out of Philadelphia, and Donovan Mitchell opting out of his contract to play for the Knicks.
the Joel Embiid Route
With Leon Rose making decisions for the Knicks front office, there is no doubt that his former clients would start to flutter toward their former agent. The topic of Embiid on the Knicks would only be if Embiid is formally upset and asks out from the 76ers. I see this happening for only one reason and it’s if they keep losing and fail to bring a superstar alongside Embiid to help him. So, here is my trade proposal to the 76ers.
Knicks Receive: Joel Embiid
76ers Receive: Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, with four first round picks.
I believe this could get the deal done on the Knicks' side because they would still keep their backup center in Isiah Hartenstein, they give up picks they are willing to package for superstars, they get rid of their Randle problem, and finally, the best of all, get Fournier’s really bad contract out of New York. This is a win-win situation for both teams involved because of the return of Randle and Robinson. Robinson is a second-round steal that the Knicks love, but he is a pivotal piece in this deal. I’m afraid if they end up keeping him, he will resent Embiid for taking his role. Putting him on a rebuilding 76ers team that can still somewhat compete could work out well for the 76ers. They also get a young player in Quinten Grimes that can play amazing defense and started this year for the Knicks at the shooting guard position. Also, an elite three-point threat in Fournier.
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Donovan Mitchell
The next and final move the New York Knicks should make is signing Donovan Mitchell in Free Agency. The Knicks would have the best backcourt in the NBA at that point with also one of the best centers in the NBA. This could set up the Knicks for their third championship in franchise history, and who better to bring it than Mitchell? Also, to win at home in New York would earn him a lot of praise from the fans. Furthermore, these all-star pairings in New York can help the rest of the roster flourish.
Obi can finally have a starting role with the Knicks to work on his consistency. I believe if you put him in this situation as a fourth or fifth option on the Knicks, he would really flourish. Not to mention, on draft night, the Knicks are looking to keep Obi by drafting his younger brother Jacob Toppin. I think Jacob will be a good bench piece. If they trade Randle I can definitely see Jacob in the second unit after Obi starts the game.
