Con: NYK Could Draft A Comparable Player
In line with the opportunity cost, the primary issue with trading for Terry Rozier is that the New York Knicks could potentially draft a comparable player less than three months from now. There’s no guarantee that such a scenario will play out, but if it does, Rozier would become redundant.
Moreover: Rozier would become more of a financial burden rather than a player who could provide value to the Knicks in a role that needs to be filled.
LaMelo Ball is generally regarded as the top point guard in this draft class, possessing elite size and a compelling skill set. He’s regarded as one of the best passers in on the board, as well, and is viewed as a much better shooter than his brother, Lonzo Ball.
Tyrese Haliburton isn’t far behind him with his 6’5″ frame and eye-grabbing averages of 15.2 points, 6.2 assists, 2.5 steals, and 2.4 three-point field goals made per game.
Throw in the likes of Killian Hayes, RJ Hampton, Cole Anthony, Nico Mannion, and Theo Maledon, and the Knicks could take a similar risk for a fraction of the price.
The operative word here is: “Risk.” Rozier has proven to be one of the best shooters in the NBA over the past three seasons, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that his game is guaranteed to translate to the Knicks’ style of play.
It’s certainly possible that the Knicks will target a wing such as Deni Avdija, Anthony Edwards, or Tyrese Maxey. It’s also within the realm of possibility that big men such as Precious Achiuwa, Obi Toppin, or James Wiseman could be at the top of the team’s board.
Committing to a trade for Rozier simply doesn’t make sense until the NBA Draft has played out when there are less expensive alternatives.