With the NBA Draft approaching, the Knicks could reportedly move former top-10 draft pick Obi Toppin.
According to Newsday’s Steve Popper, Toppin was “hoping” to be dealt during the 2022-23 season, and the franchise agrees that a fresh start would be best for the New York native.
“League sources indicated that Toppin was hoping for a trade at the deadline last season,” Popper said. “Now both sides are in alignment that it’s time for a change of scenery.”
Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News also reported that Toppin had been frustrated with his role on the Knicks last season, though he consistently kept an eager demeanor publicly about contributing to a team that won its first playoff series in 10 years. But Toppin’s quest for more playing time is seemingly blocked by Julius Randle, who logs heavy minutes as a starter and is a teammate that head coach Tom Thibodeau hasn’t shown a desire to pair with Toppin.
Toppin, 25, is a restricted free agent after next season unless the Knicks sign him to a new deal, and if they are not going to pay him, a trade would make the most sense.
Toppin averaged 15.7 minutes per game last season, scoring 7.4 points per game while shooting 45 percent from the field.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
Listen live to WFAN:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker (just say ‘Play W-F-A-N’)