Just after midnight on February 2nd, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks pulled off one of the biggest (and craziest) deals in NBA history. Concerned about Luka Doncic‘s weight, conditioning, and upcoming supermax extension, the Mavericks traded him, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, receiving Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers 2029 first-round pick in return.
The move shook the NBA landscape, with the Lakers seemingly landing a franchise cornerstone (who, theoretically, might still not be in his prime) by trading away an aging superstar and just ONE first-round pick. However, in all this turmoil in the West, the New York Knicks have an opportunity to strike gold this deadline, whether through the Lakers or the Mavs.
Knicks Must Capitalize on Lakers-Mavs Blockbuster Trade
Knicks-Lakers
Just days before this trade, Davis asked the Lakers front office to acquire another center before the trade deadline to beef up the team’s frontcourt depth. Now, after Davis himself has been sent to Dallas, the Lakers lack center depth. They are likely going to be desperate at the deadline. The Lakers will be willing to overpay to bring in a serviceable, defensive-minded center who can help them win soon. This is where the Knicks’ opportunity lies.
The Knicks could propose a trade that involves giving up Jericho Sims. The Lakers do not have to worry about his offensive shortcomings, because they have some of the best playmakers in the league right now. Additionally, Sims gives the Lakers everything they currently would want in a big. He’s an above-average defender who ranks amongst the best rebounders this season, ranking 16th in Offensive Rebounding %. Sims is a good shot blocker, averaging nearly a block per 36 minutes. Unfortunately, he has been unable to find time on a Knicks team with better bigs than him.
He would instantly become the Lakers’ best defensive center, and there are enough offensive weapons to mask him. In exchange, the Knicks could ask for multiple second-round picks, shedding his salary and regaining future assets. Doing this trade would give them more assets to use this summer, while also clearing the way for the development of Ariel Hukporti, the 55th overall pick.
Knicks-Mavericks
While the Lakers trade helps the Knicks increase flexibility, their real target must be the Mavericks. After adding Davis to the roster, the Mavericks now have four capable centers: Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and Dwight Powell. Banking on this fact, the Knicks could trade away some of their guards to acquire Powell (or Gafford).
Yes, Powell is injured, but he has been an extremely healthy player for most of his career. He has generally been an above-average to good defender throughout his career and gives the Knicks another floor spacer for their five-man offense. A good shot blocker, Powell will give the Knicks a deep center rotation and can also play at the four in the Garden.
The reason for going with Powell over Gafford is their massively differing salaries. Powell costs just $4 million a year while Gafford’s price tag is $13 million a year, a bill that the Knicks themselves will not be able to afford unless it means adding Miles McBride to the package.
The Last Word
The Knicks could quietly emerge as winners of this trade season if they make a savvy move with one of these teams. Leon Rose has shown us his ability to pull off moves that will flip the scales for the New York Knicks, and after such a blockbuster move, expect him to pounce on the teams that have desperate needs to fill.
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