NY Knicks: Can a Barrett/Reddish combo lure Zion Williamson to NYC?

The NY Knicks have officially made their first roster-related splash of the New Year. Reports confirm that former Hawks wing Cam Reddish has officially been traded to New York in exchange for underwhelming former first-round pick Kevin Knox and a 2022 first-round draft pick (via the Hornets).

This trade raises a number of interesting questions. Will Reddish’s scoring ability boost a disappointing New York offense in any tangible way? How will the rotation minutes redistribute? And will the Knicks continue to make roster moves in advance of the February 10th trade deadline?

All are important points of consideration. However, there is also a long-term approach to this trade that has Knicks fans focused on the potential blockbuster addition of a future star: Zion Williamson.

Could this small move for Reddish lure Zion to NYC at some point in the future? Let’s discuss!

The NY Knicks Blue Devils

The Knicks now have two-thirds of the big three that lead the Duke Blue Devils to an ACC title and an Elite Eight appearance during the 2018-2019 NCAA basketball season. Barrett and Williamson burst onto the scene, each averaging 22.6 points that season. Reddish (also a top three high school prospect that season), settled in as the third leading scorer, adding 13.5 points per game on limited shot attempts.

Barrett, who has progressed nicely after a slow start to his NBA career, now seems locked into a role in the NY Knicks’ future. While early returns indicate that his ceiling falls short of the superstar dreams New York had when they selected him #3 overall in the 2019 draft, Barrett has proven himself to be a solid all-around talent. He has averaged impressive counting stats at 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, per game on 42% shooting from the floor and 37% from three. He has also rounded into a very good defensive wing.

He is a clear tier below fellow draftees Williamson and Ja Morant. Yet, Barrett has been a bright spot for the resurgent NY Knicks. Unless a superstar trade opportunity arises, he and the franchise appear destined to spend the next several years together.

While Reddish seems less likely to be a bonfire future pillar, the 22-year-old now has a chance to reorient his path toward a long NBA career. The third-year pro has averaged 11.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for a young Hawks club.

Both forwards have a knack for scoring, good size, and noticeable athleticism. They both also have a good rapport with Williamson. Remember this scene from the 2019 NBA Draft? Barrett and Zion clearly bonded during their time in college.

At the very least, there is evidence to suggest that the two might like to take the court together again.