Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports activities
Based on Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports activities, a participant that may very well be made out there for commerce is Orlando Magic backup middle Goga Bitadze. The Knicks had been closely rumored to land him within the offseason when he was a free agent earlier than he signed a three-year, $25 million deal to stick with the Magic.
“Goga Bitadze is a participant drawing commerce curiosity amidst a career-best season for the Magic,” Sidery mentioned.
Bitadze has performed in 20 video games and began 17 video games this season because of a surplus of accidents to the Magic’s roster and he has delivered sturdy outcomes. This season, he’s averaging 8.2 factors, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per sport whereas additionally capturing a career-best 67.1% from the sphere.
He would offer the Knicks with an inside drive that they’ve been missing behind Karl-Anthony Cities. Jericho Sims has been the first backup to this point for them, and he has struggled all through the season to supply a real affect regardless of being a stable rim protector.
Bitadze can be an inexpensive depth choice at middle
Credit score: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports activities
Bitadze would additionally give the Knicks an amazing quantity of depth with out making an enormous monetary dedication. New York is approaching the second apron thanks to a couple giant contracts, so doubtlessly transferring Robinson’s and buying the cheaper and extra sturdy Bitadze might relieve some monetary stress for them.
General, Bitadze would offer a direct affect to the Knicks, and will assist them full their roster. As commerce season will get nearer, and the Magic get more healthy, anticipate groups to embark on buying Bitadze, with the Knicks being one of many extra aggressive suitors.
