Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros and cons of targeting Kawhi Leonard

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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against Lance Thomas #42 of the New York Knicks during the game at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

Pro: Acquiring A Superstar

No matter what the New York Knicks give up in a trade, what’s clear as day is that the team won’t win until it solidifies the perimeter. Tim Hardaway Jr. is a quality scorer with a high ceiling, but the Knicks need two-way value in the worst of ways.

By adding an All-NBA player at small forward, the Knicks would not only fill a void, but turn a questionable perimeter into a viable strength.

This may be a little on the nose, but a chance to acquire a superstar shouldn’t be taken lightly. This isn’t a move for Stephon Marbury or Steve Francis, who may have been stars in their own right, but never reached the level that Leonard recently has.

Thus, while giving up a hefty sum for a potentially injury-prone player may be a daunting possibility, Leonard is a truly special talent.

In addition to being an elite defender, Leonard has proven that he can record upwards of 25 points on a nightly basis. He averaged 25.5 points per game in 2016-17, when he was named to the All-NBA First Team for the second time in his still young career.

Simply put: Leonard would be the Knicks’ best two-way perimeter player since—sadly and without hyperbole—Walt Frazier.

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