The New York Knicks have a playoff-potential team. That was seen last season already. This season, however, some of the players are struggling and the team finds itself under .500. A stretch of a couple of good games can get the Knicks right back in the top eight of the Eastern Conference, but they’re looking for a lot more than a shot at the play-in tournament. They already traded for Cam Reddish, but it’s time to do some more.
New York Knicks: Three Trade Ideas
Adding a Fringe Star
The trade: New York sends Kemba Walker, Nerlens Noel, Ryan Arcidiacono, and the Dallas Mavericks’ first-round pick to the Detroit Pistons for Jerami Grant and Trey Lyles.
The Pistons are set to trade Grant. This is great news for most NBA teams, as Grant proved last year that he has legitimate fringe All-Star capabilities. New York isn’t necessarily in dire need of another forward but getting a player like Grant is always a welcomed move. Lyles is performing quite well this season too, so he’s a very solid addition for depth. Losing Noel isn’t ideal, but Mitchell Robinson is the top center for the Knicks.
Walker found his way out of the Knicks’ rotation, but also played very well when he re-entered. Once Derrick Rose returns, Walker may find his way out once again. Detroit, of course, has Cade Cunningham at point guard. Walker, however, is not only a great back-up (although he can play with Cunningham too), but a fantastic leader and role model for the 2021 number one overall pick. Noel is still just 27-years-old and brings center depth to Detroit. Arcidiacono is an expiring contract, and New York can deal the Dallas pick as they own their own pick still.
Taking Advantage of a Situation
The trade: New York sends Walker, Noel, and Arcidiacono to the Los Angeles Clippers for Luke Kennard and Serge Ibaka.
The Clippers, when healthy, are a championship contender. That likely won’t be the case this season. Due to that, New York should sneak in and make some moves.
Ibaka can ease the loss of Noel come playoff time. In addition, Ibaka’s contract is up this summer. This should open up space for New York to keep Robinson at the center position. Last season, Reggie Bullock blossomed as a shooter for the Knicks. They need another shooter and so Kennard comes into place. His contract isn’t ideal and he may not be as good defensively as Bullock was in the past, but it’s a move worth making for the offense.
The Clippers do this for the future. Walker will still be on his contract next season, and he’ll be a good piece along with the healthy star-studded Clippers. Noel is another tough center and will form a strong tandem with Ivica Zubac. Arcidiacono makes the money work and his contract is up this offseason.
New York Knicks Go Big
The trade: New York sends Walker, Arcidiacono, Evan Fournier, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, their first-round pick, and the Dallas first-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for Damian Lillard, Tony Snell, and Cody Zeller.
New York hasn’t had a true game-changing superstar for some time now. Lillard looks to be available for the right price, so the Knicks must jump in. Lillard, RJ Barrett, and Julius Randle are a powerful top three. The bottom line is simple: if a player like Lillard is available, you must make a move for him. Snell and Zeller are veterans on expiring contracts who add depth but can also be in the rotation.
Portland will need a lot to be convinced to move Lillard. This trade may do it for a couple of reasons. First off, Portland receives two younger players in Quickley and Toppin. Both can easily become legitimate starters in the near future. Then, of course, there are the first-round pick assets. Walker is also a movable asset on a team-friendly contract. Portland can get assets for him. Trading Fournier is tricky due to his contract. His skill level, however, will be welcomed on some contender. Portland can try to move him and can very well be successful.
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