Despite being heavily linked to some big names, the Knicks came out of the trade deadline with no significant moves. The team’s only trade was a small 3-team deal: The Knicks traded away Austin Rivers and Ignas Brazdeikis and received forward Terrance Ferguson in return. They also acquired two draft picks – The Philadelphia 76ers’ 2021 2nd round pick and The Miami Heat’s protected 2024 2nd round pick.
It’s a small transaction, but one that very much falls in line with the new front office’s prudent and patient approach to building the team. They’ve now turned Ed Davis and Austin Rivers into multiple 2nd round picks. Knicks fans are feeling great not just because the team is playing winning basketball, but because they are set up for long-term success. The last time the Knicks were this good this late in the season was in 2012-13, and we know that team wasn’t built to last. This time around, it is a bright outlook for the future.
The Knicks are poised to make a move in the offseason
There shouldn’t be much pressure to “Sign a star” like there typically is in a New York Knicks’ offseason. The team is in good shape, and the only pressing issue will be signing their All-Star forward Julius Randle to a max extension. The team doesn’t need any “saviors” this upcoming offseason. That doesn’t mean they won’t be open-minded once free agency begins.
New York has enough draft picks where they can make a “Pick centered” deal if they were to ever acquire a big name via trade. They would likely have to give up one of their young players, but they wouldn’t have to gut the entire team.
Knicks fans are already seeing what having a surplus of picks can do in the draft alone. Fans loved the fire and energy that Marcus Morris Sr. brought to the team last season. Now? That’s but a distant memory and the draft pick the team acquired led to them nabbing Immanuel Quickley at the end of the first round. There could be some more noise on draft night this year.
The Knicks have the ammo to trade up in the 2021 Draft
It’s not set to be a big free agency, and I think the power-move that is more likely for the Knicks is a trade-up on draft night. The Knicks have the ammunition to do so. We don’t know where the Knicks will be picking, but given the team’s recent play I think we can expect the Knicks and the Mavericks’ pick they own to be just outside the lottery. They will also own the Detroit Pistons 2nd round pick, so we’re looking at 3 picks likely to be in the 18-35 range.
Can the Knicks choose to simply draft 3 players with those picks? Absolutely – It’s a good way to fill some holes on the team on rookie contracts. If one of the top prospects was to fall a bit – let’s use some semi-realistic possible names like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, or Ziare Williams – The Knicks should absolutely be in play to trade up.
New York could package both of their firsts and the Pistons’ 2nd to trade up and select one of the top players in the draft. They’d still have a late 2nd round pick (Philadelphia’s) that they just acquired in the Austin Rivers trade. They are in a position to trade up and grab someone that’s near the top of their board while still having a surplus of future picks. They can add to their already outstanding young core.
It’s too early to speculate on offseason trades and the draft or have any real intel, but we can feel comfort in knowing that they’re possible. The Knicks are a young playoff team, and yet they are more equipped for the future than most other NBA organizations. In Leon Rose we trust.