The New York Knicks, on the eve of the trade deadline, actively strengthened their roster to solidify their position at the top of the Eastern Conference. Trades involving O.G. Anunoby and Bojan Bogdanovic were intended to add scoring power to the team for a successful playoff run. The expectations of the fans are high, considering the history of the Knicks, where numerous star rookies have drastically changed the team’s game. Compared to the start of the season, bookmakers now consider the Knicks legitimate contenders for at least the conference finals. Regular season and playoff bets can be placed at the Pin-Up bookmaker, which also features a casino.
In our ranking, we will recall the 7 most significant trades made by the New York Knicks. These trades forever altered the team.
Earl Monroe (1971)
In 1971, the Knicks traded Mike Riordan and Dave Stallworth to the Baltimore Bullets for the legendary Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. This trade became one of the best in NBA history. Monroe played in two All-Star Games for the Knicks, winning an NBA championship with them. Over 598 games, he averaged 16.2 points and 3.5 assists, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the Knicks.
Dave DeBusschere (1968)
In 1968, the Knicks traded Walt Bellamy and Howard Komives to the Detroit Pistons for Dave DeBusschere. This trade turned out to be a jackpot for New York. DeBusschere, a five-time All-Star for the Knicks, helped the team win two NBA championships. Over 435 games, he averaged 16 points and 10.7 rebounds, playing a key role in the legendary Knicks’ squads of the 1970s.
Dick Barnett (1965)
In 1965, the New York Knicks traded Bob Boozer to the Los Angeles Lakers for the star player Dick Barnett. This trade marked the beginning of the Knicks’ era of greatness, bringing two NBA championships to the team. Barnett played 682 games over nine seasons with the Knicks, scoring 15,051 points at an average of 22.1 points per game. He participated in the NBA All-Star Game five times and contributed to the Knicks’ titles in 1970 and 1973.
Charles Oakley (1988)
In 1988, the New York Knicks traded Bill Cartwright and two draft picks to the Chicago Bulls for the young and talented center, Charles Oakley. This trade allowed the Knicks to assemble one of the best lineups in their history in the 1990s. Over 10 seasons in New York, Oakley played 727 games, scoring 7,561 points and grabbing 7,306 rebounds. He was known as one of the best defensive centers in the league and a cornerstone of the Knicks’ defense.
Latrell Sprewell (1999)
In January 1999, the New York Knicks traded Terry Cummings, Chris Mills, and John Starks to the Golden State Warriors for the talented Latrell Sprewell. This trade came with significant risk, as Sprewell had a well-publicized feud with Warriors’ head coach P.J. Carlesimo, leading to his dismissal from the team a year earlier. However, the risk paid off, as Sprewell became a key player for the Knicks, helping them reach the NBA Finals in 1999.
Carmelo Anthony (2011)
In February 2011, the New York Knicks made a massive trade with the Denver Nuggets, acquiring Carmelo Anthony. The deal involved three teams and 13 players. In exchange for Anthony, the Knicks gave up Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Kosta Koufos, Timofey Mozgov, two first-round draft picks, and cash. This trade was one of the biggest in NBA history and proved successful for the Knicks, as Anthony quickly became the team’s leader and main star.
Bernard King (1982)
In 1982, the New York Knicks traded Michael Ray Richardson and a fifth-round draft pick to the Golden State Warriors for the star player Bernard King. This trade had an immediate and immense impact on the Knicks’ game. Over four seasons in New York, King demonstrated phenomenal scoring ability, averaging 26.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 54.3%. In 206 games, he scored 5,457 points, remaining the franchise’s scoring leader for many years. Bernard King forever engraved his name in the history of the New York Knicks.
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