Knicks Trade: RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Kevin Knox, 2021 1st Round Pick, 2021 2nd Round Pick
Bulls Trade: Zach LaVine, Thaddeus Young
This trade would be the result of Knicks management trying to sell high on Julius Randle while also believing that RJ Barrett won’t become the player they hoped he could be. It’s a lot to give up.
The Knicks would have to really be enamored with LaVine’s game if they were to trade away their two best players for him. Perhaps the front office believes the team defense can continue to be strong and LaVine would simply revamp the offense.
The optics of this trade wouldn’t be great. The Knicks finally have a promising young player in Barrett and a terrific free-agent signing in Randle, only for them to be traded away.
The Knicks also give up Kevin Knox, who has recently fallen out of their rotation but could become a nice spot-up shooter for the Bulls.
It’s hard to see Knicks fans being happy with this trade, as it pretty much leaves the team with LaVine, some veterans, and a few unproven young players. They also forfeit significant draft picks. I’m not sure it makes the team better now, and I don’t think it improves their outlook for the future.