The New York Knicks’ season ended less than 24 hours ago but they’re already thinking of ways to build off their Cinderella season.<\/p>\n
While New York now undoubtedly has two stars under contract thank to Jalen Brunson<\/a>‘s evolution, the Knicks are \u201cstill targeting the upcoming summer<\/a> as the time to trade for the next big name,\u201d per The Athletic\u2019s Fred Katz.<\/p>\n As the 2023-24 season winds down, the dust is settling, bringing the situation that various teams face into focus. For the Knicks, sifting through the sediment may be the best way for them to acquire a third star. If so, there are at least four teams that could be trade partners in a blockbuster deal.<\/p>\n In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets are the most fascinating options.<\/p>\n Following their second round exit, Donovan Mitchell<\/a>\u2019s future was thrust into the spotlight<\/a>. He’s been linked to the Knicks for years due to his New York connections. However, with Mitchell miffed by how much the Cavs relied on him, he may look for a team that doesn\u2019t require him to do so much heavy lifting. That\u2019s not to say he doesn\u2019t have the will to take over games anymore. Just that he recognizes the truth; if he has to be a superhero every game, his team hasn\u2019t put a good enough team around him.<\/p>\n With that said, Mitchell can become a free agent next offseason. If he and the Cavs don\u2019t reach a contract agreement soon, they could read the tea leaves, pushing him out before he leaves them. Such a scenario might lead him to the Knicks, who can offer a trade package with Mitchell Robinson<\/a>, Bojan Bogdanovic<\/a>, and first-round picks.<\/p>\n The Nets have fewer reasons to trade their face of the franchise, even if he played below expectations in 2023-24. To that point, Brooklyn\u2019s already trying to build around Mikal Bridges<\/a> as a foundational piece. Averaging 21.2 points and 1.0 steal per game on 37.3 percent shooting from 3 since being traded to the Knicks, Bridges has developed into an upper echelon two-way player.<\/p>\n That\u2019s one reason why he\u2019d appeal to New York, as they don\u2019t have any players that are elite at both ends. However, the \u2018Nova Knicks\u2019 could continue enhancing their chemistry with a Bridges trade as well. Another Villanova product, Bridges was a college teammate of Brunson, Josh Hart<\/a>, and Donte DiVincenzo<\/a>.<\/p>\n With the ever popular franchise taking their place among the East\u2019s top teams, quite a few of them could put New York on their list of preferred destinations. After all, it\u2019s a glamorous city with a lot to offer anybody but especially the rich and famous. To that point, there are two stars who could leave their team as free agents in the offseason: LeBron James<\/a> and Paul George<\/a>.<\/p>\n With a sign-and-trade, the Knicks may be able to acquire one of James or George in what would be the biggest splash this summer.<\/p>\n James has already displayed an interest in<\/a> playing for the Knicks, all the way back to 2010. However, what makes New York appealing in this scenario is that a head-to-head comparison with the Los Angeles Lakers favors the Knicks.<\/p>\n New York will have the better coach; one who has instilled a special type of toughness in the team. Furthermore, in acquiring James they would have a Big 3, a model that the Lakers have been reluctant to adapt. Anthony Davis<\/a> has the edge on Julius Randle<\/a> in terms of production and defense but not availability or scoring versatility. Brunson is a more reliable scorer and leader than any point guard in L.A.\u2019s LeBron era outside of the season that James was the point guard himself. Lastly, just consider that the Knicks finished the 2023-24 regular season with more wins than the Lakers.<\/p>\n In the famous words of ESPN pundit Brian Windhorst: \u201cWhy is that?\u201d<\/p>\n George hasn\u2019t shown nearly as much fascination with the Knicks as James. Nonetheless, he fits New York\u2019s needs even more from a positional standpoint, as he can play either wing spot.<\/p>\nKnicks Hoping for ‘Big’ Offseason Trade<\/h2>\n
Donovan Mitchell<\/h4>\n
Mikal Bridges<\/h4>\n
A City of Stars<\/h3>\n
LeBron James<\/h4>\n
Paul George<\/h4>\n