Following their recent trade of Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks are now grappling with a depth problem at the power forward position. With starting veteran Julius Randle established as the primary option, they need to consider additional players to balance the workload and reduce player fatigue.
With the goal of filling the void left by Toppin, who averaged 7.4 points per game last season, the Knicks may consider exploring the free-agent market. A viable option could be Derrick Jones Jr., who recently turned down a $3.4 million player option for next season. Since Jones continues to remain a free agent, he may have to settle for a minimal deal if a better offer doesn’t materialize.
Unlike Toppin, who sought a more dominant role and substantial playing time, Jones does not require heavy minutes. Last year he didn’t start, but he made 64 appearances with an average of 14 minutes per game. Conversely, Toppin averaged 15.7 minutes per game. That means the Knicks could use Jones as a key rotation piece without having to negotiate substantial demands, potentially making him a perfect fit for their current needs.