The offseason addition of the New York Knicks’ Jaylen Brunson is a big plus for the team this season. Along with Julius Randle, Brunson and himself accounted for more than 40 percent of the Knicks’ points per game. With a 21-18 record so far, the Knicks are sixth in the Eastern Conference. One player who has been linked in trade rumors between New York and Indiana is third-year pro Obi Toppin.
With Julius Randle on the team, it’s hard to see Tope getting extended minutes with the Knicks. They both play the same position and Randle is the better player and always sees more time than Toppy does. The 24-year-old should be happy that another team is interested in him.
He may feel undervalued and perhaps have a bigger role with another organization. Toppin missed last month with a right leg injury but was assigned to the Knicks’ G League affiliate, meaning he’s close to returning. New York sports betting sites have the Knicks at (+12500) to win the playoffs this season.
Banned by Randle 📸 pic.twitter.com/nzYjE9Dzq1
— New York Knicks (@nyknicks) January 5, 2023
Knicks and Pacers linked in Obi Taupin trade talks
Toppin was the eighth overall pick for the New York Knicks in the 2020 NBA Draft. He is averaging a career-high 8/4/1 for the 2022-23 season – a career-low 42% from the field. His three-point percentage is the highest in his career this season 35. NBA insiders had this to report about the trade talks between New York and Indiana.
“Knicks in talks with Indiana Pacers over trade that would send third-year big man Obi Toppin to Hoosier State.” – Sean Devaney
He is under contract with the Knicks through the 2023-24 season, which could attract a team like Indiana to the deal. Their front office has a history of signing players with a few years left on their current contracts. Indiana lacks depth at forward, so Toppin could step in and contribute right away. The Pacers have key pieces like Buddy Hield, Tyrese Halliburton and Benedict Maturin. Adding Toppin to the mix could be the right thing for their franchise moving forward.
