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2 trades Knicks could consider for Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

By Jordanna Clark

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images) /

An option that the Knicks could consider, but should avoid

Before we delve into this option, I’d like to preface it by saying that this is a deal that would likely infuriate the majority of the fan base. However, now that the Donovan Mitchell trade rumors are in the past, we know that the Knicks reportedly included Obi Toppin in proposals to the Utah Jazz.

Although there have been Julius Randle trade rumors, New York seems to be committed to keeping the 27-year-old on the roster, at least to begin the 2022-23 season. Because of that, the front office could be open to throwing Toppin into a potential deal for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

If the Knicks decide to do so, here’s what a possible trade could look like:

In this scenario, New York would be giving up four players and two first-round picks. That may seem steep, but to match SGA’s contract, the Knicks won’t get by with including only a player or two.

Oklahoma City should be happy to accept an offer like the one above, but Presti could be hesitant to bring a veteran like Derrick Rose to the Thunder. However, given OKC’s young roster, Rose would play a key role as a leader. It’s hard to see New York agreeing to part ways with Rose, especially since it was reported that the 33-year-old was “off-limits” in Mitchell trade talks.

Both Cam Reddish and Miles McBride will struggle to crack the Knicks’ rotation in 2022-23 if they remain on the roster, so fans shouldn’t be upset at the thought of them leaving New York.

It’s worrisome that the Knicks were ready to send Toppin to Utah, but if the front office was willing to do that, they would likely be willing to send the 24-year-old to Oklahoma City. Randle could be due for a breakout season with the Knicks, but the front office should be more careful about including Obi in a deal. He’s shown promise when given the opportunity, but playing behind Randle hasn’t benefitted his development.

With that being said, there’s another trade option that should be New York’s first option if there’s an interest in SGA.

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