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Knicks: Ranking the likelihood of big name offseason acquisitions

By Jeffrey Bellone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 12, 2020 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 101-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 12, 2020 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 101-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Aug 18, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (4) talks to an official after a hard foul during the first half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /

Least likely offseason acquisition: Victor Oladipo

The New York Post reported earlier this week that putting together a trade package for Victor Oladipo was a “higher priority” for the Knicks than trying to acquire Chris Paul. As I mentioned on the first slide, it’s hard to decipher whether anyone is in a position to rank whom the Knicks prefer to acquire, but I will at least mention the report exists before I explain why I think the former comeback player of the year is the least likely offseason acquisition.

Oladipo seems like an odd fit for the Knicks to try to build around. While he is not old, he is not young either. The Indiana product will turn 29 next May, just before he is eligible to become a free agent. Investing long-term in a guard who hasn’t played a full season since 2017-18 should give Leon Rose pause.

Trading for the Indiana product would require the Knicks to forfeit assets, while also seemingly put them in a position where they need to re-sign him to make the trade worthwhile.

Why would the Knicks trade away young players or draft capital to add a guard who doesn’t solve their point guard issues and isn’t exactly a lights out perimeter shooter? I’m asking because I honestly don’t know the answer.

Is it possible the new front office is so desperate to improve the team in the near-term that they make a “win now” move for Oladipo? I suppose so. But every indication seems to point to this front office wanting to take the proper steps to build around their young core in Mitchell Robinson and RJ Barrett.

Victor Oladipo wouldn’t move the needle in the near-term, and isn’t the best player to help the young guys develop over time.

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