The New York Knicks have made strides toward re-establishing themselves as a competitive force in the NBA, yet their journey to becoming a true title contender is far from complete. As the Knicks front office continues to assess potential roster moves, one area that stands out as needing reinforcement is their three-point shooting, particularly from the bench. A potential solution could lie in targeting a young sharpshooter from the Dallas Mavericks—a move that could add a valuable perimeter weapon to the Knicks’ rotation.
The Mavericks’ roster features a few intriguing young shooters, but one name that has caught the attention of insiders is Josh Green. A 6’5” guard-forward known for his shooting touch and defensive versatility, Green has shown promise as a reliable three-point option during his time with Dallas. With the Knicks’ current bench unit lacking consistent perimeter shooting, Green’s potential availability could make him a perfect fit for Tom Thibodeau’s squad.
The Knicks have had moments of brilliance over the past few seasons, thanks to the development of players like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. However, their struggles from beyond the arc have been a recurring issue, particularly when it comes to their bench production. Despite improvement from R.J. Barrett and the addition of Brunson, the Knicks’ second unit has lacked the kind of floor spacing that can help them keep up with the more dynamic offenses in the Eastern Conference.
During the 2023-24 season, the Knicks ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of three-point percentage, with most of their outside shooting coming from their starters. Their bench, led by players like Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes, has shown flashes but lacks a true specialist who can consistently stretch defenses. This inconsistency has made the Knicks’ offense vulnerable, especially during stretches when Brunson or Randle are on the bench.
Josh Green, who has steadily developed since being drafted 18th overall by Dallas in 2020, could be the remedy for the Knicks’ shooting woes. After struggling to find his role in the early part of his career, Green has emerged as a reliable shooter, hitting around 40% from beyond the arc in the 2023-24 season. His ability to play both shooting guard and small forward makes him a versatile option who can seamlessly fit into Thibodeau’s rotations.
What makes Green particularly appealing is his potential to grow alongside New York’s young core. At just 23 years old, Green’s ceiling has yet to be reached, and a change of scenery could provide him with the opportunity to take the next step in his development. His solid perimeter defense would also align with Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy, allowing him to contribute on both ends of the floor without being a liability.
The Knicks have been known for their defense under Thibodeau, but the addition of a young shooter like Green could add a much-needed offensive spark. His ability to knock down open threes would not only help to space the floor but also relieve some of the scoring pressure from the likes of Brunson and Randle.
For the Knicks to acquire Josh Green, they would need to find a deal that benefits both sides. The Mavericks, with their own playoff aspirations, might be willing to part with Green if it means gaining depth or filling another need on their roster. The Knicks could explore offering a package that includes a future draft pick or one of their current young players like Quentin Grimes or Obi Toppin, depending on what Dallas is seeking in return.
Given Dallas’s reliance on Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving for most of their scoring, they might see value in adding a versatile forward like Toppin or a defensive-minded guard like Grimes who could complement their star duo. Additionally, with the Mavericks aiming to contend in a loaded Western Conference, they might prioritize gaining immediate contributors over developing Green further.
For New York, parting with young assets is always a calculated risk, but in Green’s case, the reward could be significant. His shooting touch and ability to contribute right away could help solidify the Knicks’ bench unit, making them a more balanced team capable of competing deep into the playoffs.
If the Knicks were to land Josh Green, the potential impact on their bench could be transformative. A consistent three-point threat like Green would demand defensive attention, opening up driving lanes for Quickley and giving Thibodeau more flexibility in crafting lineups that can generate points when the starters are resting. The added floor spacing would also benefit players like Randle and Brunson, allowing them more room to operate in isolation or pick-and-roll situations.
Moreover, Green’s youth aligns well with the timeline of New York’s current roster construction. The Knicks have invested heavily in building around players like Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, and Quickley, and adding Green could strengthen that core. He represents a potential long-term piece who could grow alongside this group, helping the Knicks maintain a competitive edge in the increasingly tough Eastern Conference.
While the potential benefits of acquiring Green are clear, there are also challenges that the Knicks would need to navigate. The Mavericks might be reluctant to part with a promising young player, especially if they view him as a crucial piece for their own future. Additionally, the Knicks would have to ensure that they don’t overpay in a trade, as retaining flexibility for future moves is essential for any team hoping to build a contender.
There’s also the matter of how quickly Green would adapt to a new system. While his shooting ability is appealing, learning Thibodeau’s defensive schemes and fitting into the culture of New York’s hard-nosed style could take time. However, if Green’s development in Dallas is any indication, he has the work ethic and skills to make a successful transition.
Targeting a young sharpshooter like Josh Green could be a smart move for the New York Knicks as they look to address their need for three-point shooting off the bench. His combination of shooting ability, defensive versatility, and room for growth makes him an intriguing target. While there are challenges in executing such a trade, the potential reward—adding a reliable outside threat to balance the roster—could be a crucial step in the Knicks’ pursuit of sustained success in the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Knicks’ front office to see if they can make the move that might elevate them to the next level.