The New York Knicks enter the upcoming NBA season in unfamiliar territory. After spending the better part of the past decade at the cellar of the league standings, the franchise is projected to finish well above .500. They are also in a position to build off of last season’s success as they seek their first postseason series win since the 2012-2013 campaign.
The club wisely addressed their scoring needs during the offseason. While they were unable to land a clear-cut star, the additions like Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, in combination with the retention of Derrick Rose, should provide the Knicks with a more dynamic offense.
However, the roster still has plenty of room for improvement. While New York appears to be playing the long game, they are well behind Eastern Conference powerhouses like the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and the cross-town Brooklyn Nets. If the Knicks intend to crack into this top-tier of teams, they must add an infusion of talent to their budding core.
Names like Bradley Beal, Ben Simmons, and Damian Lillard have been swirling around trade rumors in recent months. In a vacuum, any of these players would catapult the Knicks into the realm of contention. However, they would all assuredly come with a sky-high price tag.
Need a reference point? Think about the package New York shipped to Denver in the famous blockbuster trade for Carmelo Anthony.
However, another star option has entered the rumor mill. One that would come at a much more affordable cost. The player is Detroit Pistons’ star, Jerami Grant. Would the Pistons trade their 2020 Most Improved Player award recipient? And if so, would New York be an ideal fit? Let’s discuss!