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Can the Knicks form a championship team through Zion, KAT, or Dame?

By Christian Kim

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a basket during the third quarter of an NBA game against the New York Knicks at Smoothie King Center on April 14, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a basket during the third quarter of an NBA game against the New York Knicks at Smoothie King Center on April 14, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Knicks Star #2 Karl-Anthony Towns

KAT is another former 1st overall pick who has spent his entire career with a mismanaged franchise. He signed his extension not too long ago but NBA stars made it pretty clear that if they don’t want to be on a certain team, they will force themselves out. While the accolades aren’t all there, KAT is still a great NBA player. It may be his lack of defense or simply playing in a small market of Minnesota that keeps him out of the top player list. Or perhaps it’s his inability to make the playoffs without the help of Jimmy “You (bleeping) Need Me” Butler. But he is a better player than the general consensus.

The Timberwolves seem pretty content with their guard line-up of D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, and Anthony Edwards. Anthony Edwards surprised a lot of people as he carried the offensive load when both Russell and KAT were recovering from injuries. It may be time the Timberwolves part with their star center for more depth and to open the Anthony Edwards era.

Here’s the potential trade:

The Knicks again give up a lot of depth on the frontcourt but this allows them to utilize Nerlens Noel in a full-time role. It doesn’t make sense for a team to pay their backup center 10+ million a year. Karl-Anthony Towns provides scoring in the paint and has shot the ball well from the outside as well as Julius Randle. Coach Thibodeau will miss Julius Randle’s playmaking but it was clear in the playoffs that Julius Randle is not particularly useful unless he is hitting his isolated shots.
The playmaking also can be handed off to Kemba Walker, Derrick Rose, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett, as there are plenty of capable ball-handlers.

Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Obi Toppin should be more than enough to improve the depth in the frontcourt for the Timberwolves. It’s difficult for Minnesota to attract top free agents to the Wolves, and these three may just be enough for a long-term solution/replacement.

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