Team Needs
The New York Knicks have a long list of team needs if immediate value is the concern. While the Portland Trail Blazers may be building for immediate success, however, the Knicks are more focused on creating a culture.
That culture is going to be based on a commitment to defense, and Portland has trade assets who could help facilitate the process.
New York’s positional need can be found at small forward, where Carmelo Anthony will leave a void. With Frank Ntilikina at point guard, Tim Hardaway Jr. at shooting guard, Kristaps Porzingis at power forward, and Willy Hernangomez at center, the other voids have been filled.
The ideal scenario here would be for the Knicks to acquire a high-quality defensive player at the 3, regardless of what else comes in the trade.
Portland’s primary need is quite simple: Trading for Carmelo Anthony. It would behoove the Trail Blazers to add an interior defender, but if that can’t be done, acquiring Anthony would be enough to justify a trade being made.
Knowing the untouchables, finances, and team needs, only one question remains: What exactly would an ideal trade look like?