Knicks should consider trading for point guard Collin Sexton during offseason
By Nathan Smith
![CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 01: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 01, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 01: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 01, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cba8c65f5c84a5eb936165ef4dbec9152894edbf1178d00ae84c443f92c9f3de.jpg)
What would a trade package for Collin Sexton look like?
A year ago, this trade would have looked completely different, but given how circumstances have changed regarding Sexton with his injury and the Cavaliers’ incredible growth around Garland and Evan Mobley, Cleveland won’t quite get the same return they once may have.
This young group achieved way more than anyone could have expected in 2021-22, and now the Cavaliers need to acquire veterans for their young group to help them win, and with no desire to pay Sexton long-term, which is something that the Knicks could feasibly do, the match just keeps getting better.
Cleveland isn’t going to get a star or New York’s No. 11 overall pick in return, and the Knicks aren’t going to fleece the Cavaliers. Therefore, a trade centered around Burks, Noel, Deuce McBride, and potentially a second-round pick is what would make the most sense.
This would give Cleveland a defensive stopper around the rim, a young guard with potential, as well as a good, long wing off the bench with Burks, and it would allow for the Cavaliers to avoid paying Sexton a big deal, which is something that New York would need to consider.
For the Knicks, this makes sense as they would acquire a starting point guard that fits the Thibodeau mold. It would also allow the team to move on from Randle to complete a possible starting lineup of Sexton/Quickley/Barrett/Toppin/Robinson (or his potential replacement, given recent rumors).
If New York could pull this off, the team would still have Rose/Fournier/Grimes/Reddish/Sims coming off the bench. If the Knicks could grow together with this young core, it’s a move that could and should help catapult the Knicks back into the playoffs, but that is if Sexton can once again get back to full health.