The New York Knicks are in the midst of a winning season. Regardless, this hasn’t stopped them from making moves prior to the trade deadline. After acquiring OG Anunoby a week ago, the team waived big man Taj Gibson on Sunday, which means they currently have fourteen players on the roster. The team now has an opportunity to make a two-for-one or three-for-two trade heading into the deadline, as per The Athletic’s Fred Katz.

Gibson’s veteran stint amid injuries
Gibson and Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau have shared a history since their days in the Chicago Bulls, which is probably why the team acquired the 38-year-old veteran after Mitchell Robinson went down with a season-ending ankle injury. In 10 games with the Knicks, Gibson averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game.

Already in his 15th season, Taj Gibson’s veteran experience and locker room presence give the Knicks an impact not seen in postgame box scores. However, Father Time is undefeated, and Gibson’s on-court performance is a far cry from his years with Chicago. With Precious Achiuwa coming in and Jericho Simms returning from an injury, Gibson’s release from the team paves the way for a younger frontcourt rotation.

While there’s still a chance of the veteran returning to the roster if New York still has an open spot after the trade deadline, as mentioned, the opportunity for a two-for-one or a three-for-two trade looms on the horizon, allowing the Knicks to scour the league for players with potential.

The trade deadline is over a month away, so the Knicks still have time to make chess moves to assemble a team that will push them deeper into the playoffs compared to their campaign last year.