Knicks reportedly discussed trading Obi Toppin, Evan Fournier for Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley

Feb 4, 2023 - 6:40 PM

New York Knicks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S1ok7UvG0Od0XvNHND0poHRznwk=/0x0:2748x1546/1920x1080/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71940831/usa_today_19895932.0.jpg" />

The New York Knicks could be moving on from Obi Toppin in attempt to bolster the bench (and move on from Evan Fournier’s contract), according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype:

The Knicks and Jazz have had exploratory conversations surrounding Obi Toppin, Evan Fournier, and draft pick compensation for Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt, league sources told HoopsHype.

Vanderbilt is a rugged, defense-minded big man who can play both power forward and center, though under Tom Thibodeau, the 6’9” Vanderbilt would probably exclusively play at the 4. That could be a problem, as he isn’t a threat from the outside. He’s shooting 33.3% from three on only 57 total attempts this season.

Beasley is known as an elite three-point shooter, though he isn’t exactly lighting it up from beyond the arc this season (35.8 3P%). He will jack ‘em up, though (8.6 attempts per game), and he’s a career 38% three-point shooter, so they could be banking on some positive regression.

Personally, I’m not a fan of this deal. Vanderbilt isn’t a good fit for Thibs’ offense. Beasley is a poor defender, so he couldn’t be on the floor at the same time as Jalen Brunson. It just seems like they’re capping their versatility, which is a thing that happens often with Thibs-coached teams. I get that they’re probably going to have to move on from Obi — or get a more creative head coach, but they refuse to do that. Still, I think they can do better.