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New York Knicks: 3 undervalued stars to target in trades

By Brad Dressler

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 09: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center on January 09, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 09: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center on January 09, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Jan 8, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

Pascal Siakam for Obi Toppin, Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr., New York’s 2022 1st and Dallas’ 2023 1st

It’s finally time for the Knicks to get their revenge against Masai Ujiri for that awful Andrea Bargnani trade from back in 2013. The 2016 1st round pick traded to Toronto eventually turned into Jakob Poeltl, who was moved just a few seasons later in a deal that net the Raptors some guy named Kawhi Leonard, who kinda sorta helped them win the franchise’s first NBA title or whatever.

As it stands, the Raptors sit at a 2-6 record on the season. The time for them to start their rebuild is now and moving Siakam would be the catalyst. Even after losing Kawhi last year, Toronto still managed to finish 2nd in the Eastern Conference standings.

Come playoff time, it soon became clear that Spicy P was more Robin than Batman and his struggles have continued since the 2020 playoffs. Ujiri had hoped that his relationship with the reigning 2-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo would help steal the Greek Freak away from Milwaukee, but Giannis instead opted to re-sign long term with the Bucks. With a roster just good enough to finish in the 7th or 8th seed and no chance of adding the superstar they coveted, blowing it all up and becoming younger might be the move.

Moving Toppin this soon into his Knicks tenure hurts and Siakam’s fit in the starting lineup would be questionable, but if this trade were on the table, it would be hard for the Knicks’ brass not to pull the trigger immediately. While Siakam has played the PF position since being drafted by Toronto, moving him over to the 3-spot could definitely work. He does have the agility, size, and athleticism to guard both 3’s and 4’s, and could still fit nicely next to Julius Randle as long as he’s able to get his 36-37% three-point shooting from the past two seasons back on track.

Potential lineup – Elfrid Payton, RJ Barrett, Pascal Siakam, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson

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