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Pass or Pursue on 3 Knicks trades anchored toward competing

By Desmond Novack

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 22: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in action during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on December 22, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 22: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in action during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on December 22, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls. (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports) – New York Knicks
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls. (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports) – New York Knicks /

Trade #2: The same assets but for a worse player

I am not sure what Piercey was thinking with this one. Again, the Knicks would be getting a very good player, however, the poor fit and picks given up just don’t make sense. This time around, the Knicks would be sending Quickley, Fournier, Rose, three first-round picks, AND a 2026 first-round pick swap for Zach LaVine. 

In a very similar fashion to the Beal trade, the Knicks would improve right now with this deal, as despite being in the middle of a “down” year, LaVine is still a fine player. Through 32 games, LaVine is averaging 22.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 46% from the field and 38.1% from three on 7.4 attempts.

However, I don’t understand giving up more assets for a player that is, in my opinion, worse than Bradley Beal.

On paper, LaVine would make the Knicks decently better than they currently are, but for the assets they would have to give up, I don’t think LaVine would move the needle enough to make giving up this many picks worth it.

Player-wise, the Knicks are getting a steal in LaVine, but again, the fit and picks make it so hard to accept this trade. Also, similar to the Wizards, I don’t see the Bulls accepting this deal, as they can likely get more for their buck for the 27-year-old.

In order for the Knicks to give up so many picks, regardless of value, they need to be getting a player in return that instantly boosts their odds of contention. While LaVine would improve New York, he does not push them to that upper echelon that would make this trade worth it.

Verdict: Pass

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