5 Realistic Knicks Trade Targets at the Deadline

Jonathan Isaac, Forward, Orlando Magic

The trade for OG Anunoby gave the Knicks an all-world defender which has drastically changed everything. Adding Jonathan Isaac would give the Knicks another top-level defender to help the team's defensive push, especially in the playoffs. Isaac's offense doesn't jump off the screen averaging just 8.5 points per game with 5.1 rebounds per game and 0.9 assists per game but, his defense does. Isaac is averaging a steal per game and 1.4 blocks per game and his length and versatility would bring a great defensive option for Tom Thibodeau.

Having OG Anunoby and Jonathan Isaac would allow Thibodeau to deploy his defensive stoppers on any team's top duo. Against Boston the pair could take away Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, against Milwaukee they could be deployed on any combination of Lillard, Middleton, and Antetokounmpo, against Miami the Knicks would have an answer for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo after struggling last postseason, and against Philly, the pair could match up with Maxey, Harris, and Embiid. We've already seen OG Anunoby's defense impact games with his defense against the Nuggets and 76ers bringing a boatload of possibilities for the playoffs.

The downside to Jonathan Isaac would be his injury history as well as his contract. Isaac will make $17.4 Million dollars next season although his contract is non guaranteed. Isaac missed the entire 2021 season and only played eleven games in 2022 which would be a concern in trading for Isaac.