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Pass or Pursue on Bleacher Report’s 5 latest Knicks trade ideas

By Desmond Novack

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 09: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 09, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 David Jensen/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 09: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 09, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 David Jensen/Getty Images) /
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Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Kiyoshi Mio/USA TODAY Sports)
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Kiyoshi Mio/USA TODAY Sports) /

Trade #4: Sending Julius Randle to the Clippers for two very good role players

While the Knicks would be receiving two players easily worse than Randle, the role and fit they would bring to New York could make them a much better team. The two biggest issues on the Knicks this season have been three-point shooting and defense and these two players would help that.

This is a trade the Knicks would only do if they were extremely confident in Obi Toppin’s abilities. While Kennard and Covington are two very good players, they do not bring the same level of production as Randle.

Kennard has been one of the best three-point shooters in the league since he was drafted, and while his scoring volume has taken a hit this season, he has still been extremely efficient and has proven that he can remain efficient when taking a high volume of shots.

This season Kennard is averaging 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while shooting 51.1% from the field and an incredible 46.4% from three on 3.5 attempts. I’m honestly not sure why Kennard has seen a fall-off in shot attempts this season, however, considering how well he played last season, I know he can step up if the Knicks needed him to.

As for Covington, he may not be the best player offensively, however, the defensive versatility he would bring to the floor is something the Knicks have not seen in a very long time. In addition to this, he provides some very solid three-point shooting and will not need the ball in his hands as much as Randle, which would free the floor up offensively.

Both Kennard and Covington are seeing reduced roles on the Clippers this season, but they have both historically been very good players and could provide insane amounts of value to this Knicks squad.

The Knicks rank 27th in three-point percentage and 17th in defensive rating this season, making for two areas of massive improvement. There is no doubt that adding an elite three-point shooter and defender would help that. The only question is, do the Knicks want to lose the level of production Randle brings and rely on other players?

To that, I honestly think I’d say yes. Kennard led the league in three-point percentage last season on six attempts per game and Covington has been one of the better defensive players in the league since he signed as a UDFA in 2013.

These two would open the floor up a ton on both sides of the ball and would more than likely make the team much better than they currently are. Randle has been solid this season offensively, but his inconsistencies and lack of really any defense make it difficult to justify not wanting to move on.

Verdict: Pursue

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