3 players the Knicks could trade for with Donovan Mitchell going to the Cavaliers

2: Jae Crowder

I don’t mean to make this a “trade Julius at all costs” type of article, but I don’t think there is any player on the Knicks more likely to get traded other than Randle.

With that being said, after a report was released stating the Suns were looking to trade for a “post-up power forward,” I wrote an article putting out a potential trade that would send Randle to the Suns in return for Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, and some picks.

The response was very 50/50, with some Knicks fans liking the idea of moving on from Randle’s contract for a better fit and picks, but with others disliking it as they believe Randle is more valuable. From a statistical standpoint, Julius is more valuable and he is definitely a better player than Crowder. However, the value Crowder brings on the defensive side of the ball, combined with his shaky, yet still very solid three-point shooting could benefit New York.

In this scenario, Crowder would come off the bench and provide the team with valuable minutes while third-year player Obi Toppin would finally be a full-time starter.

We have seen what Toppin is capable of when given big minutes. If this is something that can become more consistent, Toppin will become a very, very good player in this league.

This scenario is a lot of “ifs.” However, I am a big believer in Toppin and his potential and would like to see the Knicks take advantage of what’s in front of them.