New York Knicks: Pros and cons of trading Enes Kanter to Kings

Pro: The potential to acquire an asset

The New York Knicks have a few hurdles to jump if the Kings try to expand a deal around Kanter and Randolph, but if they can acquire an asset — a draft pick — it at least gives the team something for moving a player on an expiring contract.

At Randolph’s age and his invisible role in Sacramento, he holds no NBA future. There’s no future for him in New York, aside from a veteran presence for the rest of the season, although the Knicks have that in Lee and Thomas.

So, if the Kings want Kanter, the Knicks should receive something aside from Randolph or one of their expiring contracts.

Due to previous trades, the team from the Golden 1 Center has a handful of future second-round picks to work with, garnering at least two selections of this kind in each of the next three drafts. That’s more than enough draft capital to own, which gives them addable trade assets.

Even if it’s the 2021 second-round pick they own from the Memphis Grizzlies or Miami Heat, it’s at least something for the Knicks to walk away with. That can enhance a future deal for a veteran or they keep it to add depth to their 2021-22 roster.

If not from the Kings, as long as the Knicks receive something worthwhile, it makes a Kanter trade worth it. It builds towards the next teams, rather than a lateral move.