New York Knicks: Pros and cons of trading for Markelle Fultz

Pro: In rebuilding year, under certain circumstances, there’s nothing to lose

2018-19 has been called a “developmental” year for the New York Knicks, as they find who fits into their future plans and who doesn’t. It’s a season-long process that’s already 20 games in, with a 6-14 record.

If the Knicks continue at this rate, they will miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season. For a rebuilding team, it’s not a doomsday scenario.

Playing for the future makes this desirable for all of New York’s younger players. They can work through issues in their game and eye sticking around.

Fultz has the opportunity to play through his shot mechanics with the Knicks. They can work with him, sans the need to make the postseason, to develop his skill set. Plus, with multiple rotating parts on a team that may not stick past April, what’s there to lose?

It’s a multi-month gamble on a player once seen as a franchise-changing talent. Not all highly-touted players pan out, of course, but with the ability to get out from Fultz’s contract if someone else sees potential or after 2019-20, it’s a short-term risk to take.

If it works, the Knicks have a quality young guard into the 2020s. He can play alongside Allonzo Trier, Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox and others involved in the franchise’s future.

That’s another scoring talent to place behind Kristaps Porzingis, who will need all the help necessary upon return from his torn ACL.

Can linking Fultz with the New York Knicks work? It’s possible, but also presents risk as this franchise tries to turn the page.