2: A deal the Lakers might like
In the below scenario (that couldn’t be done until Dec. 15 because that’s when Isaiah Hartenstein can be traded), the Knicks would be giving up three young players, two veterans, and four first-round picks.
Los Angeles would be getting New York’s backup center in Isaiah Hartenstein, who is capable of being a starter. Lakers fans would probably roll their eyes at the thought of another veteran point guard in Derrick Rose, but depending on what happens with Russell Westbrook, Rose could end up fitting well in LA.
After assembling a team full of veterans in 2021-22, the Lakers decided to embrace youth in the 2022 offseason. Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes are two key Knicks players that could both end up having successful NBA careers. Cam Reddish has recently turned a corner after getting off to a rough start in New York, and he’s going to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. If New York isn’t interested in paying Reddish, this would allow the organization to get something (Davis) in return for him.
But again, it’s nearly impossible to make an argument as to why the Knicks would do this. It wouldn’t hurt for New York to explore trading Rose, who’s nearly averaging a career-low in minutes. His departure would open up more minutes for Immanuel Quickley, but that’s the only positive thing that can be said about this trade.