NBA playoff odds: Knicks kick off trade season by acquiring Cam Reddish from Hawks

Last season at about the same point in their schedule, the New York Knicks were around a .500 team but then they acquired Derrick Rose from Detroit and took off. Could lightning strike twice for New York (21-21)? The NBA Trade Deadline is Thursday, Feb. 10, but the Knicks aren't waiting as they have acquired former Atlanta Hawks lottery pick Cam Reddish. Ironically, New York's next game is in Atlanta on Saturday.

The Knicks gave up a protected 2022 first-round pick via Charlotte and former lottery pick Kevin Knox, who had fallen out of the rotation, to Atlanta. New York also acquired Hawks forward Solomon Hill and a 2025 second-round pick via Brooklyn in the deal.

This seems like a great trade for the Knicks as Reddish, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2019 draft, is only 22. He's averaging 11.9 points on 40.2 percent shooting (solid 37.9 percent from deep) in about 23 minutes per night this season – one issue has been staying healthy – but the upside is clearly there.

Want proof of that upside? Reddish is the only player in the NBA this season to tally at least 30 points on a minimum of 10 field goals made and six three-point field goals made in addition to 40 percent or better from the floor, 60 percent or better from three-point range and 75 percent or better from the free throw line as well as at least two blocks in two or more games. Reddish accomplished those such games on Dec. 27 vs. Chicago and Dec. 22 vs. Orlando.

He will be reunited with former Duke teammate RJ Barrett, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Knicks. Reddish most likely will come off the bench in New York – he may be on the floor with the Knicks trying to protect a late lead as Reddish is among the NBA's best free-throw shooters at 90 percent – while Hill is simply filler as he's out for the season. 

As things stand today, the Knicks would miss the Eastern Conference playoffs. They are +450 to make it on the NBA odds and -650 to miss – keep in mind all playoff odds are the final eight teams in each conference and don't include the play-in tournament.

Atlanta essentially thought Reddish was redundant with De'Andre Hunter, who returned from a long injury absence Wednesday night. Reddish also was eligible for a contract extension this summer and the Hawks weren't ready to pay up. He can become a restricted free agent in 2023. Atlanta (17-23) has been a massive disappointment after reaching the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. It is +195 to make the playoffs and -250 to miss. 

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