Day: February 15, 2021

The Knicks host the Hawks tonight, and while it sure looked like the Hawks were poised to make a big move in the standings this year, they’ve instead taken a step back. Part of that is due to injuries, but in general, they are not playing well at all and Trae Young, in particular, has a lot to answer for (and boy, the whole Luka for Trae and Cam deal is looking worse and worse for Atlanta every day, huh?).

So the Knicks get the Hawks at a good time. Hopefully the Knicks can take care of business and move one step closer to .500!

Let’s go, get nearly to .500, Knicks!

From David Vertsberger:

NBA trade season is underway, with the Knicks setting off the starting gun by acquiring Derrick Rose in a deal with the Pistons. There remains a number of big names and deals to be made across the league, including for New York, finding itself within reach of the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

It’s no wonder then why some fans want Leon Rose and co. to swing for the fences and nab a Bradley Beal, Zach LaVine or Victor Oladipo, all three All-Star players included in recent trade rumors.

However, the Knicks shouldn’t be trading for any of them, at least not at this juncture. Here’s why.

First, the cost would decimate the Knicks roster, barring a Masai Ujiri-level swindle. Look at recent trades of this magnitude and it’s hard to imagine New York semi-matching these without undoing years of asset-building. Chris Paul was dealt for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, two prospects and a first rounder. James Harden, though much more valuable, cost every pick from Canarsie to DUMBO, along with quality young players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert. John Wall and Russell Westbrook were swapped for eachother.

To acquire Beal, New York would have to relinquish Julius Randle and whatever prospects or picks the Wizards wanted. RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson – none would be off-limits. Do it and he might as well be back on Washington, putting up 35+ points a night with no help.

LaVine and Oladipo wouldn’t demand such a haul, but even they would take a pair of prospects, picks and useful veterans. But unlike Beal, the two are set to be unrestricted free agents, Oladipo this summer and LaVine next. Knicks fans have been burned waiting for elite free agents to sign on, but things changed this year.

I don’t get how Beal would require Randle. Why would Washington even want Randle for Beal? Randle will be a free agent after next season, so it’s not like they’d be acquiring a cost-controlled guy.

I think Oladipo might come surprisingly cheap, but I don’t think the Knicks should trade for him. Just wait for free agency if you really want him.