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3 All-in trade packages New York Knicks could make for Trae Young

By Josh Cornelissen

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 15: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks and Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks battle for a loose ball during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on February 15, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 15: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks and Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks battle for a loose ball during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on February 15, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Kiyoshi Mio/USA TODAY Sports) /

Trade Package No. 2: Trading Julius Randle

Julius Randle has been an All-Star in two of the past three seasons, the last two-time All-Star for the Knicks since Carmelo Anthony. He has had a number of great performances, largely in the regular season but even a few in these playoffs to help the Knicks notch the wins they did have. The improvement of his three-point shot accuracy and volume was vital to the Knicks’ success this season.

On the other hand, he is not the best player on this team, and the Knicks have often played better with Obi Toppin on the court in his place. The Knicks could capitalize on his value by including him in the deal, building a faster lineup around Trae Young and Jalen Brunson, and giving Toppin a chance to shine. That deal might look something like this:

The Hawks get Randle (and presumably move off of John Collins in a separate move), diversifying their scoring punch from two point guards to a guard and a big. Immanuel Quickley comes as well to give Atlanta a young guard to partially replace Young, and Hartenstein is a positive contract to finish the salary matching; he could back up Onyeka Okonwu if the Hawks move on from Clint Capela, or be moved on to another team in a subsequent deal. That’s enough value that the Knicks add with just a couple of middling firsts to get the deal done.

The Knicks could start Young and Brunson, RJ Barrett at the 3, and Obi Toppin with Mitchell Robinson in the frontcourt. Off the bench, they would have Quentin Grimes and Josh Hart to come in and provide all sorts of lineup versatility. It’s an intriguing option for the Knicks and lets them retain their perimeter core.

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