Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros and cons of trading for Kemba Walker

Con: Long-Term Risk

If the New York Knicks were to trade for Kemba Walker, the postseason would become a realistic goal as soon as 2017-18. The Bronx native is one of the most dynamic offensive players at the point guard position, and would be paired with a potential All-Star in Kristaps Porzingis.

For as intriguing as that pairing would be, one can’t help but note that Walker is five years older than Porzingis—meaning their window may be too small to comfortably invest in.

Walker will turn 28 in May, while Porzingis will turn 23 in August. It’s certainly within the realm of possibility that this duo could lead the Knicks to intriguing success over the next four or five seasons, but the long-term goal is to win a championship.

While it’s certainly plausible that Walker and Porzingis could convince a star-caliber free agent to come to New York, it’s also a risk to depend on free agency.

If New York manages to execute this trade without parting ways with Tim Hardaway Jr., it’s less of a concern. A core of Walker, Hardaway, and Porzingis would be as dynamic as they come on offense, albeit with some concerns on defense.

The need to surround Porzingis with better defenders will persist, however, and the potential window would be somewhat concerning since Porzingis isn’t even near his prime.