NBA Rumors: Knicks, Jazz Talking 4-Player Deal

February 04, 2023 ,

 

The New York Knicks and Utah Jazz are two of the more active teams around this trade deadline, though for different reasons. As the Knicks try to fortify their roster for a playoff run, Jazz and CEO Danny Ainge, are, once again, looking for futures.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, a four-player deal is being discussed.

The Knicks and Jazz have had exploratory conversations surrounding Obi Toppin, Evan Fournier, and draft pick compensation for Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt, league sources told HoopsHype.

The Knicks had been looking for a first-round pick—or equivalent compensation—for each of Beasley and Vanderbilt, and as Scotto notes, the inclusion of Toppin could serve as "equivalent" to a first-rounder. 

But Fournier would not qualify under those parameters, as he'd be included as salary filler, and even more importantly, as a way for the Knicks to get off his $19M owed for next season. A first-round pick would need to be added to this four-player mix, heading from New York to Utah to compensate the Jazz.

Beasley, the 6'4" guard, has a team option for $16.5M on his contract for next season, and he'd been hoping that the Jazz would keep him, and pick up the option.

This wouldn't be the first time backup big Toppin's name has been mentioned in trade talks between these teams, as he was on the table as part of proposed Donovan Mitchell trade scenarios last summer. 

These are some brewing talks to keep an eye on as we get closer to Thursday's deadline. 

Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports



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