With how much fun I had in my previous game of pass or pursue, I figured it would be a good idea to look at some other potential Knicks trades written by other journalists to see whether or not it would be a good idea to pull them off.
This time, we will be looking at trades suggested by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, who named his article, ‘Trade Ideas to Save the New York Knicks’ Season.’ This was a lot more interesting than the previous pass or pursue, as these moves involved more than just Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley.
The Knicks currently sit at .500 and considering the poor play by some of their key players, some trades could be on the way. I do not know if the Knicks will take a massive leap of faith with a disgruntled star, or make some small moves for veterans, however, it definitely seems as if trades are imminent.
Pass or Pursue with 5 proposed Knicks trades from Bleacher Report
Trade #1: A three-team trade that sends Myles Turner to New York
This was not a good way to start the article and in all honesty, I don’t know if I understand why Favale thought this trade would be a good idea for the Knicks. While Myles Turner is certainly a good player and would fit tremendously in New York, the pieces he wants to send out for Turner are simply too much.
Turner has turned himself into a tremendous player this season, averaging 17.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 55.2% from the field and 41.8% from three on four attempts per game. However, the Knicks would simply be giving up too many assets.
Yes, Cam Reddish and Evan Fournier are no longer in the lineup, but to give up arguably the Knicks’ best defensive player, the team’s only backup power forward, and a first-round pick is too much to give up for a player who is just now playing at a high level.
I’m sure Turner can keep up this high level of play, however, it is just way too much to invest in a player who Thibs likely won’t even properly utilize. The spacing Turner would provide could be an extremely valuable asset to the offense, but again, it’s just too many assets to throw in for two players.
Josh Richardson would be a nice addition to the roster and is a player I’ve suggested the Knicks target in the past. However, the idea of essentially swapping him for Mitchell Robinson doesn’t make much sense.
Overall, I love the players the Knicks would be receiving in this trade, but the package doesn’t make sense for the team at all.
Verdict: Pass
Trade #2: A trade that sends Julius Randle to Phoenix to clear minutes for Obi Toppin
I’ve suggested this trade in the past, but with the improved play of Julius Randle this season, I’m not so sure if I would accept it, as Randle’s value is likely much higher than it was in the offseason.
While this trade could possibly benefit the Knicks, as not only does it open up the floor, but the defensive presence Jae Crowder brings to any team he plays for would be rather useful. However, with Randle’s improved value, New York may be able to get more for him.
This season, Randle is averaging 22.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 46.2% from the field and 34.1% from three. While he has been inconsistent and his defense has caused the Knicks many problems, it is better than what we got out of Randle last season.
Honestly, the number one thing holding Randle back this season has been himself. His efficiency could be much better if he did not shoot so many threes a game and did not occasionally force his offense, but again, he’s playing better than last year.
As for the Suns, they have lost four out of their last five games and don’t play Crowder at all while Saric only receives 11.2 minutes per game. Randle may not be the best fit for the team, but he can certainly provide more than both Crowder and Saric.
A move like this would benefit the Knicks in terms of fit and spacing, but at this point, New York could easily get more out of the 28-year-old.
Verdict: Pass
Trade #3: Kyle Kuzma a Knick? I don’t think so
This is a trade that seems pointless, as I think Kyle Kuzma wouldn’t bring much to the Knicks that they don’t already have.
This honestly might be my least favorite trade yet. Not only is Randle better than Kuzma, especially offensively, but to throw in two first-round picks along with Cam Reddish would be senseless.
Will Barton and Vernon Carey are two very fine players, however, they likely wouldn’t receive many rotational minutes in New York’s current rotation.
Kuzma is a better player than Randle defensively, which would be a nice addition to the team, however, I really don’t understand why the Knicks would even consider this. They’re losing this deal in every sense of the way. Not to mention the fact that Kuzma could be gone as soon as the end of the season if he declines his player option.
At the end of the day, Randle and Reddish are easily the two best players in this deal, so to ship them off alongside two first-round picks for Kuzma and two players who might not even get rotational minutes does not make sense.
Verdict: Heavy pass
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
Trade #5: Exchanging Julius Randle for one of the worst contracts in the NBA
I thought I was low on Julius Randle’s value, but this is easily the worst trade I’ve seen yet.
While this trade is centered around Caleb Martin, who is a very solid player that would provide both great three-point shooting and defense, adding Duncan Robinson makes this trade an instant pass for me.
In previous seasons, Robinson was one of the NBA’s best three-point shooters and played a massive role on a contending team. However, after getting his massive contract, Robinson has become a nearly useless player. This season Robinson is averaging just 6.1 points per game on a horrid 35.6% from the field and 31.6% from three on four attempts a game.
To make things even worse, Robinson is making an average of $18 million a year until 2025. There are absolutely zero reasons for the Knicks to take on this contract regardless of who they’re trading away or for.
Martin is a player I would absolutely love to have on the Knicks, however, he is not worth taking on Robinson for. I’d like to say more about this trade but honestly, the second I saw Robinson in the proposed deal I instantly shook my head.
Randle is a player who very well could be traded this season, but I respect him too much as a player and person to trade him for such little compensation.
Verdict: Pass Pass Pass
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