NY Knicks: Grading every Steve Mills transaction, Part 1

Trading Willy Hernangomez to Charlotte

GRADE: B-

The Willy Hernangomez trade reminds you how quickly narratives change among the fanbase. At the time, in February of 2018, the idea of trading a promising modern big man, who happened to be best friends with Kristaps Porzingis, was met with scrutiny.

Two years later, Knicks fans are less concerned about insulting Porzingis. Independent of that, while Hernangomez still offers value in the front court, the Knicks gained two second round picks in the deal, which are useful as the team ended up trading their own second round picks in separate deals.

Hernangomez has played in 111 games with Charlotte, his numbers close to the same was his time in New York, averaging 6.7 points and 5.1 rebounds on 52 percent shooting from the field.

At the time of the deal, this trade probably would have graded lower considering the importance of Hernangomez’ relationship to KP and the promise he offered as a young, modern big. But over time, given the draft capital netted, the realization of Willy’s talent, and the complicated divorce with Porzingis that followed, I think a B- is fair.