Should the New York Knicks explore a trade for DeMar DeRozen?
Rumors that the New York Knicks may be players in a potential blockbuster trade for Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Chris Paul seem to be running rampant. If new team president Leon Rose and head coach Tom Thibodeau are serious about transforming the struggling Knicks into a serious postseason contender, it is clear that the franchise will require a much needed infusion of star power.
After watching Paul will the Thunder to a successful season in a tough Western Conference, he would certainly be a good starting point. However, despite posting an elite season in 2020, Paul is currently 35 years old.
Additionally, reports seem to indicate that OKC is seeking both a first round picks and a young prospect in any potential deal. That is a high price. Throw in the fact that Paul is slated to earn $41 million in 2021 and $44 million in 2022, and the transaction becomes even more complicated.
Considering these obstacles, if the Knicks do intend to shop assets such as their 8th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft or their 2018 lottery pick Kevin Knox, they would be wise to consider targeting a player with a few less concerns.
While All-Star caliber players certainly do not grow on trees, there is another possible option that would fit much better with the Knicks over the next several seasons: San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of acquiring the four-time All-Star.
Should the Knicks target DeMar DeRozan: the Pros
There are a lot of reasons to be excited at the prospect of DeRozan in a Knicks uniform. While his stock has taken a dip since his time with the Toronto Raptors, the former USC star is still a phenomenal scorer.
He is fresh off a 2020-2021 campaign in which he recorded 22.1 points per game, 3.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. While he lacks the three-point shooting ability that modern NBA teams crave, DeRozan is a master at the midrange game. That skillset, in combination with his raw athleticism and ability to attack the basket, makes him truly capable of getting his own shot against any defense.
DeRozan, age 31, is also several years younger than a player like Paul. This would allow him to be more than a single season boost.
After seeing their 23-year postseason streak come to a crashing end in 2020, it appears as though the Spurs are due for a rebuild. According to reports, the notion of trading for DeRozan appears more than a pipe dream. By all accounts, he is available for the right offer.
Considering the Thunder’s high asking price, it is also probable, that the Spurs’ star could be acquired at a comparably lower price. DeRozan has a player option that, if declined, could make him a free agent this offseason. If picked up, one would imagine the Spurs would be open to exchanging him for future assets before his deal expires after the 2021 season.
OKC is asking for multiple top assets. Talks with San Antonio would start with just one.
Should the Knicks target DeMar DeRozan: the Cons
DeRozan’s lack of three-point shooting is a considerable factor. If he were to join the Knicks, he would share the court with another player with no outside shooting abilities in Mitchell Robinson. Having two players on the court without the threat of an outside shot limits scoring opportunities and clogs the paint for other players, such as RJ Barrett, who also struggles with his perimeter game.
When you consider the potential presence of pieces like Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton entering the mix, the offense would be even more clogged.
DeRozan will also come with a large financial commitment. There is little doubt that the four-time All-Star will be seeking another major contract before his prime begins to close. He has made over $26 million in each of the past four seasons. He will assuredly require a similar pay day in order to retain him past 2021.
With the Knicks inability to attract major free agents over the past decade has turned them into a punch line, committing to DeRozan could limit the team’s ability to pursue future superstar free agents.
Should the Knicks target DeMar DeRozan: the Conclusion
I recommended the Knicks do everything in their power to add legitimate star power to their roster before the new season begins. The beginning of the Rose/Thibodeau era would feel infinitely more encouraging if the franchise can end their postseason drought and return to the playoffs in 2021. Even if it is as a later seed.
In order to do this, the team needs a go-to playmaker. Considering the options on the table, it would be well worth the Knicks time to call San Antonio and gauge their interest in putting together a trade for DeRozan. The former Raptor would give the Knicks a legitimate source of scoring in their half court offense. He would also immediately take over as the team’s closer.
This would take pressure off younger players and allow them to develop at a more comfortable pace. Having a proven player to help set the tone for the rest of the roster would be invaluable.
For what it’s worth, Thibodeau found on-court success with Jimmy Butler, who has a strikingly similar skillset to DeRozan, leading his teams. He knows how to build an effective offense around a non-shooter.
Butler has taken his game to a different level during his Miami’s surprise Finals run. However, it was not so long ago that he too felt like a misfit star without a natural fit. Imagine the boost it would provide the franchise if DeRozan could provide a Butler-like scoring punch, boost in veteran leadership, and winning expectation in NYC?
Exploring this option should be a top priority for the New York Knicks this off season.