The New York Knicks are seven games below .500 and have fallen to 2.5 games back of a play-in spot. As a result, fans (understandably) are getting restless and are talking about the draft, and how to earn more picks at the deadline. While the desire to continue to build the young core can be comprehended, it is really important for Knicks faithful to understand that selling is the worst idea imaginable at this point.
While buying maybe isn’t the immediate solution, getting rid of assets like Julius Randle is not going to make all problems go away. Sure guys like Kemba Walker can be considered pieces to let go of come February 10th, but he isn’t someone that will provide major security and improvement to New York’s draft capital.
New York Knicks: What is the proper deadline approach?
While trading for picks isn’t the right idea, there are some players that the Knicks can potentially make a mover for that help the team’s chances of being a contender in future seasons. With RJ Barrett forming into a star and Randle finally somewhat returning to form, it’s important that the Knicks find players who are immediately ready to make an impactful contribution.
For example, by trading Domantas Sabonis, the Pacers made it evident that they are willing to trade just about anyone on their roster. With the Knicks in need of a stretch big and the Pacers reportedly willing to trade the newly acquired Buddy Hield, maybe we see New York trade Evan Fournier, Nerlens Noel, and Kemba Walker in exchange for Turner and Hield. This allows the Knicks to restructure their roster and improve in some areas of the depth chart. It would be in Leon Rose’s best interest to explore the trade market like this and mess with the team a little bit.
New York Knicks: Build around Barrett and Randle
It can’t be anticipated or expected that the Knicks land a superstar. There has been speculation about potentially obtaining Donovan Mitchell but hopefully, the team has learned their lesson and doesn’t plan on it. (cough cough Kevin Durant)
The reality is, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle are the future of the New York Knicks. Randle is locked up for the next four seasons and despite his frustrations, can be a quality complement to a first option. RJ Barrett is going to be that first option. The Duke product recently set the record for most 30-point games by a Knick under 21 and has taken yet another step up after showing lots of improvement last year.
As easy as it is to be impatient, the Knicks need to work with what they have it would be detrimental if they decided to resort to the draft once again.