Knicks just got another reason why they have to make a trade. It’s time to make some room.

The New York Knicks: Championship Contenders Facing a Critical Crossroads – It’s Time to Trade and Make Room

As of December 29, 2025, the New York Knicks stand at 22-9, firmly entrenched as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. They are the reigning NBA Cup champions, fresh off a thrilling comeback victory on Christmas Day against the Cleveland Cavaliers and a hard-fought win over the Atlanta Hawks. Jalen Brunson is playing at an All-NBA level, Karl-Anthony Towns has integrated seamlessly into the offense, and the team boasts one of the league’s most potent attacks. Yet, beneath the surface of this success lies a growing urgency: the Knicks have mounting reasons to execute a trade before the February 5 deadline. The latest – a rash of injuries exposing razor-thin depth – is the proverbial straw breaking the camel’s back. It’s time to make room on the roster, clear salary, and address glaring vulnerabilities to maximize this championship window.

The Knicks’ 2025-26 season has been defined by highs that evoke memories of the franchise’s glory days. Under new head coach Mike Brown, hired after the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau, the team has blended veteran star power with improved depth. The acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns has transformed the offense, pairing his spacing and scoring with Brunson’s playmaking wizardry. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges provide elite wing defense, while Josh Hart brings relentless energy. Mitchell Robinson anchors the paint when healthy, and bench pieces like Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek have delivered in clutch moments.

Recent performances underscore this potential. On Christmas Day, the Knicks erased a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Cavaliers 126-124, with Brunson dropping 34 points and Clarkson adding 25 off the bench. Two days later, against the Hawks, Towns exploded for a season-high 36 points and 16 rebounds, while Brunson contributed 34 in a 128-125 thriller. These wins highlight the team’s resilience and star power – but also expose cracks when key pieces are missing.

The “another reason” the Knicks must trade? Injuries are piling up at the worst possible time. Josh Hart, the heart-and-soul wing who provides toughness, rebounding, and versatility, suffered a right ankle sprain on Christmas Day and is expected to miss the current road trip, with re-evaluation upon return to New York. Mitchell Robinson, the defensive anchor, is on load management for his left ankle and was ruled out for the December 29 game against the Pelicans. Landry Shamet remains sidelined with a shoulder sprain, and Miles McBride is day-to-day with his own ankle issue.

These absences thin an already precarious frontcourt and backcourt rotation. Robinson’s load management is a precaution against his injury history, but it leaves the Knicks vulnerable to physical teams. Hart’s energy is irreplaceable – his hustle plays often swing games. With Shamet and McBride out, the bench lacks scoring punch and defense. Tyler Kolek has emerged as a bright spot, earning trust with strong recent play, but relying on a second-year guard as the primary backup to Brunson carries risks for a contender.

This injury wave amplifies long-standing roster concerns. Guerschon Yabusele, the major free-agent signing, has struggled mightily. Averaging under 10 minutes per game, shooting below 40% from the field and 31% from three, he’s fallen out of the rotation. League sources indicate the Knicks are open to trading him, likely needing to attach assets to move his $5.5 million salary (with a $5.7 million player option next year).

Financial constraints compound the issue. The Knicks are perilously close to the second apron, preventing them from signing buyout veterans until early April – too late for meaningful playoff integration. Trading salary (e.g., Yabusele) is essential to create flexibility for mid-season additions.

Frontcourt depth remains a glaring hole. Behind Towns and Robinson (who’s managed carefully), options are limited. The team has explored big men like Andre Drummond or Day’Ron Sharpe, but cap rules restrict moves. Backup point guard was a preseason concern, though Kolek’s breakout has shifted priorities – perhaps toward frontcourt help instead.

The Knicks’ offense ranks among the league’s best, fueled by Brunson-Towns pick-and-pops, Bridges’ cutting, and Anunoby’s spacing. Defensively, they’re middling (14th in rating), elite in paint protection but vulnerable on the perimeter. Depth additions last offseason improved the bench, but injuries revert them to relying heavily on stars.

Why trade now? The Eastern Conference is stacked – Cleveland, Boston, and emerging teams lurk. The Knicks’ core is in prime: Brunson (29), Towns (30), Bridges (29), Anunoby (28). This window won’t stay open forever. Sitting pat risks another early playoff exit due to fatigue or injury.

Potential moves: Package Yabusele with young assets (Pacôme Dadiet, seconds) for a reliable big or guard. Targets like Jose Alvarado (defense, ball-handling) or Keon Ellis (two-way wing) fit. Avoid blockbuster risks like Giannis rumors, which would gut assets.

Trading Yabusele clears dead weight and salary. It “makes room” – literally for roster spots and figuratively for upgrades. Kolek’s rise and two-way prospects like Kevin McCullar Jr. add internal pressure to convert contracts.

Leon Rose has proven adept at bold moves (Bridges, Towns). With the deadline approaching, inaction isn’t an option. The injuries are the latest alarm; ignoring it could derail a special season.

The Knicks aren’t just good – they’re built to contend. But contention requires ruthlessness. Trade to deepen the roster, manage the cap, and fortify weaknesses. Madison Square Garden deserves banners. It’s time to make room for one.