New York Purchased Neil Johnson’s Rights
The Knicks acquired Neil Johnson’s player rights from Baltimore for cash on October 31, 1966. The transaction gave New York a reserve big man while the Bullets took an undisclosed financial return.
NBA Trade Verdict
Slight Knicks Edge
New York acquired Neil Johnson's player rights from Baltimore for cash on October 31, 1966. Johnson gave the Knicks 94 regular-season games across two seasons, including 51 games at 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 1966-67 and 43 more the next year. Phoenix then selected him from New York in the 1968 expansion draft, ending the Knicks' control of the asset. Baltimore received undisclosed cash. New York realized more direct basketball value, but Johnson's reserve role and the unknown cash amount keep the result in the modest-win range.
October 31, 1966 New York Knicks / Washington Wizards Record confidence: High
New York Knicks Received
- Draft Rights rights to Neil Johnson
Washington Wizards Received
No additional itemized assets are listed for this team.
Trade Analysis
Johnson Played 94 Games for the Knicks
Johnson appeared in 51 games at 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds during 1966-67, then played 43 more the following season. That produced two seasons of measurable depth from the purchased rights.
Expansion Ended New York’s Control
Phoenix selected Johnson from the Knicks in the 1968 expansion draft. New York therefore did not preserve a later trade asset, limiting the long-term upside of the original purchase.
The Knicks Hold a Small Realized Advantage
The B- versus C+ split recognizes 94 games of direct basketball value while respecting the unknown cash payment Baltimore received. It is a modest Knicks win, not a major historical swing.
Final Verdict
Slight Knicks Edge — New York B-, Baltimore C+. New York acquired Neil Johnson's player rights from Baltimore for cash on October 31, 1966. Johnson gave the Knicks 94 regular-season games across two seasons, including 51 games at 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 1966-67 and 43 more the next year.