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New York Knicks: Pros, Cons of trading for John Wall

By Allen Settle

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 23: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 105-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 23: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 105-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Mar 6, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) on the court before the game between the Washington Wizards and the Atlanta Hawks at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Star Power

Like it or not, John Wall still has undeniable name recognition and star power. When he is at his best, his raw speed and elite passing ability make him one of the most exciting players in the league.

He has a reputation as a fast break nightmare with the ability to finish above the rim. He also has a history of success as the go-to guy during his tenure in Washington. He has hit clutch shots to win games for his team on both the regular season and postseason stages.

The Knicks play in the biggest basketball market in the nation. Yet, they have consistently lacked the superstar the city deserves. The team’s last franchise player came in the form of Carmelo Anthony, who last made the All-Star team in 2016-2017. Fans have to go all the way back to Patrick Ewing in 1996-1997 for the next generational talent.

A healthy Wall would immediately give the team a chance at a true star for the first time in many years.

Pro: Production and Low-Trade Cost

There is a reason that Wall carries star power. The former first overall pick is a five-time All-Star who has career averages of 19 points, 9.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. His last time on the court (2018-2019) he recorded 20.7 points and 8.7 dimes.

Surprisingly, Wall is still just 30 years old. While he would not necessarily fit in the same contention timeline with Barrett and Robinson, he should still have several productive seasons left before suffering a major drop-off. Offseason workout videos released by Wall and the Wizards also show the point guard moving and playing at full capacity.

It is also worth considering that Wall’s services would not require the Knicks to part ways with any of their valuable on-court assets or draft picks. In fact, it is widely believed that the Wizards will need to staple other assets to the deal in order to move Wall. Which brings us to the cons.

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