New York Knicks: 3 Reasons why CJ McCollum is a perfect trade target
By Allen Settle
Knicks: A Franchise Shift
A trade for McCollum would further cement something that started with the Derrick Rose acquisition: The Knicks are seeking to build a contender this season.
While there is still a massive amount of work to be done to create a legitimate championship contender, it is unrealistic to expect the franchise to go from basement dwellers to title favorites overnight.
The first step is reestablishing themselves as a postseason team. New York has often fallen into the trap of thinking that their market will be enough to attract superstar free agents. We thought LeBron James would be drawn in by the lights at Madison Square Garden. We thought the same about Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. That is until they spurned the Knicks for a Nets team with an established postseason roster.
The Knicks cannot place all their hope in hitting a grand slam home run in the form of an MVP free agent signing. They must show top players that they have a good culture and the potential to win.
After making cracking the playoff field, the team should then set their sights on home court. Then, perhaps, the team will earn a seat at the table with future free agents.
The trade for Rose signaled a clear win-now emphasis. The team is no longer waiting for outside players or lottery ping-pong balls to decide their fate. They are building a depth chart with a focus on competing. Now!
A trade for McCollum would crank this trend to a new level. They would have a legitimate backcourt and, depending on the pieces being traded away, either a strong center position led by Robinson or a capable wing spot manned by some combination of Toppin, Barrett, or Knox.
This type of move would immediately help the Knicks establish themselves as a threat in the East.