The New York Knicks are at a crossroad.
After starting 5-1 this season, things have broken down. Evan Fournier is having his worst season since playing for the Nuggets. Julius Randle has regressed from his 2021 all-star form, and Derrick Rose just had ankle surgery.
The honeymoon period with Leon Rose is over and it is time to start making changes. Here are three trades Knicks brass could consider before the February 10th trade deadline.
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The Best Option?
The Knicks are in dire need of a point guard. The Kemba Walker homecoming experiment is nice but he isn’t the man for the job– even despite his recent surge. Alec Burks is serviceable as the lead guard but he is playing out of position. New York should look west for an answer.
- Knicks get: De’Aaron Fox
- Kings get: R.J. Barrett, Alec Burks, ‘22 1st-round pick via Charlotte, ‘22 2nd-round pick via Charlotte, ‘23 2nd-round pick via New York
De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings is the man they covet. Averaging 21.3 points and 5.0 assists per game this season, the Kentucky product would stabilize what the Knicks are missing– the ability to score, make electric plays on the break, set up teammates and vigorously defend the perimeter.
A change of scenery has been overdue for many Kings, and Fox’s time in Sacramento may be up very soon.
The Less-Likely But Still Tantalizing Trade
- Knicks get: Damian Lillard
- Blazers get: R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin, Kemba Walker, Alec Burks, ‘22 1st-round pick via Charlotte, ‘22 1st-round pick via New York, ‘23 1st-round pick via New York, ‘23 1st-round pick via Dallas, ‘24 1st-round pick via New York
Damian Lillard has been on an absolute tear lately, averaging 37.6 points and 6.7 assists with 55/48/91 splits over his last three games.
The six-time all-star is looking like the prolific scoring guard we’ve all come to know and love. With all the good Dame brings, however, it would catapult the Knicks into an area they are not ready to be in as contenders. Trading for Lillard would cost the Knicks the best parts of their young squad and their future assets.
With Lillard being the heir to the beloved Brandon Roy, the Trail Blazers would not let him go for anything less than a king’s ransom.
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New Big in the Big Apple?
- Knicks get: Myles Turner
- Pacers get: Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox II, Kemba Walker, ‘22 1st-round pick via Charlotte, ‘22 1st-round pick via New York, ‘22 2nd-round pick via New York
The Indiana Pacers are reportedly receptive to taking calls on their core guys. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is good, but looks more like the traditional NBA center. Being similar to a Clint Capela or JaVale McGee-type player isn’t a bad thing, but other contending teams have an abundance of multitool players equipped with shooting and passing that Robinson does not have– at least right now.
Robinson’s ceiling seems to be limited in a way Turner’s is not. Leading the league with 2.8 blocks per game this season, Turner is also shooting 37% from deep– an asset Robinson will seemingly not develop.
This trade may not thrill Knicks fans, but it is one that will immediately improve their team.
Moving forward, the Knicks are still searching for stability and it has not shown so far. Whether it be a trade, playing the young guys more or switching lineups, change is due in New York. With the Christmas matchup being less of a blockbuster than promised, there is a chance for the winning ways to continue and the Knicks to uncover consistency.
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