NBA Rumors: Knicks, Pacers Talking Trade

Losers of five of their last six, the New York Knicks are still trying to figure out a rotation, while dealing with a number of injuries. The latest rumor has one of those ailing players being the subject of trade talks with the Indiana Pacers.

The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks have discussed a trade centered around Obi Toppin, per @SeanDeveney pic.twitter.com/TwJ3Jn1XGQ

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) December 31, 2022

According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Knicks have had discussions with the Pacers about a deal that would involve Obi Toppin. One league exec told Deveney that a young team like Indiana seems like a perfect fit for Toppin. 

There has been some talk between the Pacers and Knicks about Obi. He fits in Indiana, especially if they keep Turner. Obi is a rim-runner, he has some toughness, he has athleticism. He needs minutes and a team that is rebuilding with young talent like Indy is a really good match. 

Certainly, as Deveney notes, the Pacers could offer Toppin a whole lot more run than Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks currently are, as the third-year forward is averaging merely 17.1 minutes per game, while stuck behind starting power forward Julius Randle. Obi is averaging 7.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 35.1% from behind the arc. 

As Deveney notes, however, Toppin has put up some spectacular numbers in the 10 games he started for the Knicks last season, at 20.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 43.6% shooting from deep. Unfortunately, on the Knicks, he'll continue to languish on the second unit as long as Randle is around.

Toppin is currently out with a foot injury, suffered back on Dec. 7th. 

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sport