Knicks Trade Rumors: Rounding up the latest buzz as of Dec. 19

How It Impacts The Knicks

In theory, this development shouldn’t have much of a direct impact on the New York Knicks. The Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t exactly potential trade partners, and what might be offered likely wouldn’t be enough to poach the coveted Brooklyn Nets pick.

The impact of this revelation, however, is that the Eastern Conference is beginning to embrace a widespread mentality of valuing long-term stability over short-term gratification.

New York could conceivably offer Kyle O’Quinn to help the Cavaliers fix their flawed interior, but it’s unlikely that such a move would net a lottery pick. Thus, the most realistic way to look at this rumor is to acknowledge the long-term ramifications of it.

Due to the Boston Celtics’ masterful ability to both contend and compile first-round draft picks, and the Philadelphia 76ers’ past all-out tanking, the Eastern Conference is in a proverbial arms race.

The Cavaliers have LeBron James, but even the NBA’s Terminator will eventually lose his battle with father time. Rather than continuing to think short-term, Cleveland is acknowledging the need to acquire young talent that can be developed and utilized on rookie-scale deals.

If nothing else, this is a sign that the Knicks are doing the right thing by prioritizing the long-term vision over the short-term hunger for success.