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3 trades Knicks could make to improve roster amid shaky start

By Desmond Novack

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 30: Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 30: Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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With the Knicks off to a rather disappointing start to the season, there is a decent chance that we could see the front office begin to ship away members of the team if this skid continues.

In this scenario, we would most likely see veterans like Julius Randle, Evan Fournier, etc. get traded to not only give more minutes to younger players but to also attempt to free up cap space. Obviously, no one knows what will happen other than the front office, however, if it becomes clear that this team doesn’t work, changes will need to be made.

Many Knicks fans have recommended moving on from head coach Tom Thibodeau, and while I agree, I believe the issues with this team go beyond the coaching.

3 trades the Knicks could make this season amid their shaky start

3: Evan Fournier to the Spurs for Josh Richardson

This is an interesting trade that was proposed by Jesse Cinquini of The Knicks Wall, which has the Knicks sending Fournier over to San Antonio in return for Josh Richardson.

Personally, I absolutely love this trade. While Richardson is scoring more points on better efficiency, he is also a much better defender, which is something the Knicks really need right now.

Obviously, Fournier provides some elite shooting at times, however, he is a literal traffic cone on defense and has cost the Knicks. What makes this trade tricky though, is that I don’t know why the Spurs would do it.

Maybe they want to take on the worse player to have a higher chance of tanking, as they are currently 5-5 on the season. So, trading away a versatile defender and scorer for an inefficient pure shooter could work better in their odds of drafting Victor Wembanyama.

If this trade goes through, Richardson will likely come off the bench for the Knicks, as a move like this would allow Quentin Grimes to step into the starting role and provide some great 3-and-D play for New York.

Richardson would be a great defensive addition for a team that needs it. With the Spurs looking to tank, I could see them unloading him to a team in return for a contract that frees up cap space. With Fournier being on a three-year deal, he could eventually provide solid minutes for the team whenever they’re ready to contend again.

What makes this trade least likely to occur is the Spurs sending over a pick alongside Richardson, which I don’t see happening as they are likely trying to stockpile any picks they can get. However, I would easily send a second-round pick with Fournier to bring in the better player.

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