Report: Knicks remain a 'likely landing spot' for championship-winning forward

After pulling off one of the biggest trades of the season, the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors could come together to swing another deal ahead of the trade deadline. 

The Knicks (33-18) have been one of the NBA's top teams since trading RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and draft capital to Toronto for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn this past December. 

However, their second unit has struggled mightily in the scoring department since losing Quickley and finding an impactful bench piece is one of the Knicks' highest priorities before Thursday's deadline. 

Toronto's Bruce Brown could be the answer, and according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, the Knicks are considered a "likely landing spot" for the versatile forward. 

"While several teams have inquired about Brown, intrigued by his ability to work his way into almost any lineup along with his championship pedigree, the New York Knicks remain a possible or even likely landing spot, with Evan Fournier and his contract as the matching piece," Grange wrote.

Brown, a key contributor during the Denver Nuggets' championship run last season, was acquired by the Raptors in January as part of the deal that sent All-Star forward Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. The 27-year-old is averaging 11.5 points per game this season and has garnered plenty of interest leading up to the deadline. 

"According to a league source, the Raptors are asking for and have been offered a first-round pick for Brown, who is earning $22.5M this season and has a team option on his deal for next season worth $23M," Grange continued.

Additionally, Grange notes that the Knicks are aiming to acquire Brown with one of their two 2024 first-round picks, which could be an obstacle to striking a deal. Toronto already has four picks in June's draft that could land inside the top 31 selections, and it might not be inclined to add more, considering the prospect pool is weaker than in years past.

Grange speculated that the Raptors could be "holding out for a future Knicks first-rounder," a commodity that New York is reluctant to include in a potential deal. The Knicks have eight tradeable first-round picks at their disposal, but it's clear they want to save as many future firsts to make a significant splash this offseason. 

While acquiring someone who could serve as a lead ball handler with the ability to create shots for the second unit is a more pressing need for the Knicks, Brown would be a worthwhile addition. 

Aside from bringing championship-winning experience, Brown's tenacious style of play is a perfect match for HC Tom Thibodeau's team, which has posted the second-best defensive rating in the NBA since Anunoby made his Knicks debut (107.5).

Brown's $23M team option for next season would also give the Knicks plenty of flexibility this offseason, as they could use it in a package to land another star. 

Even so, Brown is just one of several names New York is inquiring about before Thursday's deadline, so it'll be interesting to see whether the team decides to meet Toronto's asking price. 

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday that the Knicks have discussed a trade with the Detroit Pistons centered around guard Alec Burks, who spent two seasons with New York (2020-22).

Nonetheless, if the Knicks acquired both Brown and Burks to shore up their bench, they could be the final pieces to make the team a legitimate title contender, even if the two seem like modest additions.