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Many fanbases can say this about their respective franchises, but the statement couldn't be more accurate for New Yorkers. It's a great time to be a Knicks fan. The Knicks have locked down their guy in Jalen Brunson, who has become a star in the Garden, and a building block for the future. The team has talented assets in Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, plus a strong young core of Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin. Not to mention dozens of draft picks over the next few years, plus aspirations of brining a championship back to the Big Apple. They are a few puzzle pieces away from finalizing their recipe for success, and we are here to cover it all.
Introducing, The Curious Case of the Knicks, my thought journal of how the decisions made this offseason will be pivotal for the future of this historic franchise.
We kick things off today, hours before the NBA Draft. Loaded with talent from overseas, collegiate studs, and G-League Ignite prospects that are ready to take the NBA by storm. The Knicks don't hold any draft picks this evening, but that could always change when the clock begins ticking. With four 2024 first-rounders, they could force their way into the first round this year, or start stockpiling capital to land some talent.
Which brings us to the basis of this first segment, it's time to talk trades. The NBA landscape has already begun reshuffling after the first big moves occurred the past few days. Bradley Beal is now paired alongside Devon Booker and Kevin Durant in Phoenix, while Chris Paul finds a new (short term) home in Washington. We saw former Knick Kristaps Porzingis get shipped off to Boston in a three-team deal that also sent Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies, and Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, and Mike Muscala to the Wizards.
These are just the first dominoes to fall, and we expect to see multiple big names change teams this summer. The rumor that has been circulating this morning is the potential of the Knicks adding 8x All-Star, 6x All-NBA, and 4x All Defense Forward, Paul George.
Star power, improved defense, leadership, this move just seems to good to be true (if available). Speculation began when Julius Randle made an appearance on Paul George's podcast, and now the Clippers are gauging interest on his potential trade value.
The goal is to build the team, and not tear it down, so assuming Julius Randle and RJ Barrett are not part of the trade package, this move would make so much sense. Paul George becomes your small forward and you slide RJ Barrett to the shooting guard. Barrett was a poor defender in the forward position, so moving him to the guard allows him to defense smaller players.
What a trade could look like is the question. Obi Toppin is a name that keeps coming up in the news, because he is looking for more minutes, but offers value to any trade package. Preferably it would be nice if the Knicks could give him more opportunities, but that's up to the front office and Thibs. Quentin Grimes and Deuce McBride offer some guard value, Evan Fournier would be a contract that could be moved, and of course, the flurry of picks that are stockpiled.
The Knicks are in the position to trade for a star, the question is, who? Damian Lillard doesn't make sense. Zion Williamson is one big question mark with on and off court issues. CP3 could provide some great value off the bench. Supposedly, the Phoenix Suns rejected an offer of Julius Randle and two first-round picks for Deandre Ayton last season, but I still don't understand why Julius Randle should be moved (more to come with that in the future). The problem with the Knicks is that their name is always in the headline, but this is the time where they need to make a move, and become contenders.
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