3 trades Knicks could make to improve roster amid shaky start

2: Julius Randle to the Suns for Jae Crowder and more

Before the start of the season, I wrote an article based on a report from a Suns beat reporter that stated they were looking to trade for a “post-up” power forward. While Randle doesn’t necessarily fit the post-up style of play, the Suns could still use a new PF with Jae Crowder requesting a trade.

With that in mind, I drew up a trade in which the Knicks sent Randle to the Suns for Crowder, Dario Saric, a protected first-round pick, and a second-round pick. However, with how poorly Randle has started the season, I doubt the Suns would want to give away a first.

Regardless, with Crowder sitting out and Saric not being used much at all, the Suns could be interested in removing two guys who don’t play for what could be a valuable player.

Obviously, Randle is currently not playing very well. However, with a much better team and coach, Randle could potentially go back to being the solid player he was in years past.

From the Suns’ point of view, this trade is really dependent on the situation the team finds themselves in. If they are winning and are having no problems like they currently are, they likely would not pull this trade off. But if they go on a losing streak and become desperate, they could take on Randle’s contract in an attempt to make the team better.

For the Knicks, this trade would not only bring some very valuable 3-and-D play from Crowder but it would also give Obi Toppin a better chance at taking the starting job and breaking out.

As things currently stand, I don’t think the Suns would do this trade, as they won’t want to make drastic changes or take on contracts while winning. If they want to try and make a move to take them over the hump though, we could see interest increase.