Reacting to ESPN’s New York Knicks Trade Idea
By James Ryder
Why dealing Mitchell Robinson in ESPN’s deal makes no sense
Robinson may be an expiring contract, but he is still a very valuable young player.
His value is high enough that New York should be saving him in the event that he can be traded for more than what they would be getting from OKC.
For example, the contract the Knicks would be able to keep Robinson on is worth it since he can continue to be a good piece for them as a team in playoff contention.
But, if the Knicks ever wanted to trade him, he would still be a very movable and enticing asset.
I don’t think New York should settle for an aging center when dealing Robinson even if a first-round pick comes out of it.
There is speculation that Myles Turner, whose also a young center and is already one of the best players and contracts at his position, can be had for a package involving Robinson.
Why trade for a minimal upgrade in Favors when you can get a definitive one in Turner?
Acquiring Turner also gives the Knicks more security long-term at the center position.
In the trade given by ESPN, Robinson is chosen to be in this deal because it is assumed the Knicks would want to flip one center for another while giving the Thunder another young talent alongside Knox.
The Thunder are in rebuild mode and are in pursuit of as many young players as possible.
And this is the main issue with the trade. ESPN dealt the Knicks a realistically unfair scenario in which they don’t maximize on Robinson’s value.
The trade is clearly designed with the Thunder in mind just as much as it is with the Knicks in mind.
That’s the flaw.
Of course, any trade idea has to take into consideration why both teams would actually ever pull it off.
But, this trade is supposed to specifically be one in which the Knicks are in need or in favor of it.
In my opinion, the Knicks don’t have an argument for “winning” this trade any more than OKC would.
I would actually make a slight change to this deal that I think is not only more fair but also would be a better trade for New York.