New York Knicks Receive: G Terry Rozier and 2023 first-round pick (Top-10 protected)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Kevin Knox II and F Obi Toppin
Seeing Obi Toppin included in this deal will assuredly enrage some people, but if the Knicks can get a future first-round pick, even with protections, it is something they have to seriously consider.
The Knicks land a player that can help them win now more in Rozier and a future asset to offset the inclusion of Toppin.
Sending the former Dayton star to Charlotte also means the Knicks keep all of their draft capital, something that could be very useful in the future.
This would be a bigger picture kind of trade for New York. Yes, they are trading away a lottery pick after one season, but given the current construction of the team, he is unlikely to flourish here.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
Julius Randle is locked in as the starting power forward and Tom Thibodeau has not shown a willingness to go small with his lineups. Unless that changes, Toppin is stuck as a reserve power forward playing only 10-15 minutes per game.
