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.
"That's my brother. He's ready, he's ready."
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 21, 2019
—Zion when RJ Barrett was drafted by the Knicks at No. 3 pic.twitter.com/H9dzcTLINu
At the very least, there is evidence to suggest that the two might like to take the court together again.
NY Knicks: Friendships matter in the modern NBA
Need more evidence that this is deeper than normal college teammates? Barrett and Zion have spoken publically about their friendship during their days in the ACC.
So why does this matter? And how does it affect the Knicks?
Look no further than the basketball club across town! The Brooklyn Nets have a superteam that is prime to bring an NBA Championship to NYC in the near future. But how did this squad come together?
Remember, the Knicks had dreams of forming a similar super team through the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving free agency period adjacent to the Duke trio’s draft. However, both superstars instead elected to team up with the Nets.
It did however seem likely that longtime friends Durant and Irving were destined to team up, regardless of which franchise it was with. Both were free agents. Both were prized possessions. Both had the pedigree to position themselves as they chose.
This is a common trend in the modern NBA. The Nets added to their roster with a blockbuster trade that brought former league MVP James Harden to Brooklyn. It is no coincidence that Durant and Harden spent several seasons together as teammates in their earlier years with the OKC Thunder.
Their prior relationship assuredly affected this outcome. Their previous stint together gave both confidence that the pair could coexist effectively. In fact, reports indicate that the two talked about the potential deal “months” before it was made.
This is far from an isolated case. For instance, superstar LeBron James formed his Miami Heat super team around longtime friend Dwayne Wade. The two would unite for a brief stint in Cleveland as well.
Make no mistake. Should Zion choose to target a reunion with his former Duke teammates, there is more than enough president to pull the trigger.
NY Knicks: The on-court fit
This leads to one last key question: What would a combination of Williamson, Barrett, and Reddish mean for the Knicks?
We would all agree that the addition of Zion would be a win for the franchise. Particularly if he came as a free agent (rather than a trade that would require assets leaving NYC). However, Zion’s career has admittedly looked different than many expected when he was drafted.
When on the court, the former #1 overall pick has been a truly unique force. He has averaged an elite 25.7 points and seven rebounds per contest. This comes on shooting efficiency numbers that are among the best in league history.
Williamson’s 19.5 points per game in the paint are the most in the league since prime Shaq was ripping down backboards on his way to dominating the league. In fact, the Pelican’s forward outpaces two-time MVP and NBA Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo in paint production.
This efficiency, combined with a top-tier offensive rebound rate is a lethal combo. Zion hits his shots at a Shaq-like rate. And in the rare event that he misses, he offensive rebounds at a league-best level. This gives him a second chance at Shaq-like shooting. It’s a real-life cheat code.
While all may seem perfect, Zion’s ability to stay on the court has become a point of concern. After playing just 24 games during his rookie season, he was able to appear in only 61 during his sophomore campaign. Notably, he has yet to appear during the 2021-2022 season and remains without a recovery timeline.
Reports that the 6’6″ star, who has drawn scrutiny for weight concerns, hit the 330lb mark this season drew ire from the national media.
These concerns may lead to his departure from New Orleans when he hits free agency in 2024. It potentially opens the door for a Duke reunion with the Knicks in NYC.
Does this guarantee New York a title? Probably not. More would need to be done with the roster.
However, a core centered around a prime Zion, Barrett, and Reddish, would give the Knicks a major boost in on-court play, popularity, and star power.
The move would place the Knicks in a legitimate position to contend in the Eastern Conference and seriously pursue their first NBA title since 1973.
Cross your fingers and pray that this small Reddish trade could set the franchise up for much more in the coming seasons.