The New York Knicks are currently struggling with scoring depth, particularly from their second unit. Despite being one of the league’s top
offensive teams overall, they rank last in bench points per game, with a mere 20.3. This glaring weakness is something the team must address
if they hope to maintain their offensive potency throughout the course of the season.One potential solution for the Knicks could lie in a
trade for Brooklyn Nets’ rising star, Cam Thomas. New York’s offseason trade with the Nets saw them acquire Mikal Bridges in exchange for
several draft picks, and they could explore another deal with their cross-town rivals for Thomas. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick,
Thomas, who is in the midst of a breakout season, is available for trade discussions after failing to reach an extension agreement with the
Nets.At just 23 years old, Thomas has emerged as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. Averaging 24.6 points per game, he is shooting
45.8% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range. His offensive prowess has been on full display this season, with five games where he
has scored at least 30 points, including a 43-point performance against the Knicks just last week. Thomas’ scoring explosion comes as the
Nets embark on a rebuilding phase, and he has quickly become one of their go-to offensive weapons.
While Thomas has thrived as a starter this season, his role was primarily that of a bench player last year, particularly when Mikal Bridges
was still in Brooklyn. However, Thomas took on a more prominent starting role in 2023-24, making 51 starts and averaging 22.5 points per game. If
the Knicks were to pursue a trade for Thomas, his role would likely shift back to a bench role, given that New York’s starting lineup is already
well-established. This could limit the immediate impact of a potential acquisition, especially if it does not involve sending a starter to Brooklyn in return.
Despite the potential challenges in maximizing his role, Thomas could provide a significant boost to the Knicks’ second unit. His ability to
score in bunches from anywhere on the court would bring a much-needed spark to New York’s bench. His skillset could make him an ideal fit for
a scoring-focused bench role, but only if he is willing to embrace that position. If so, the Knicks should seriously consider the opportunity to add a dynamic scorer to their rotation.
However, adding Thomas may not be without its drawbacks. Brooklyn is known for selling high on its players, and the Knicks would likely have to
part with valuable assets to acquire him. Moreover, Thomas is widely regarded as a weak defender, which presents a challenge for a Knicks team that has also struggled defensively this season. While his scoring would certainly help New York, his defensive limitations might not align with the team’s current needs.
The Knicks have a loaded offense, with all five of their starters averaging at least 14 points per game and ranking second in the league in offensive rating at 123.0. While adding Thomas could push their scoring even further, the team’s primary focus should be improving on the defensive end. Before pursuing additional offensive firepower, the Knicks need to prioritize strengthening their defense, which has been a glaring issue thus far this season. Addressing this imbalance should be the first step before making any further moves to enhance their offensive depth.