Ranking the New York Knicks’ top 11 trade assets
By Tyler Watts
1. Jalen Brunson
When the Knicks signed Jalen Brunson away from the Mavericks, many viewed his four-year, $104 million contract as an overpay. That does not seem to be the case now after he helped New York make the playoffs for just the seventh time since 2001 and it was just the second time they advanced beyond the first round.
Brunson was the 16th highest-paid point guard in 2022-23 as he transformed into a star. He averaged 24.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 35.0 minutes per game as he shot 49.1% from the field and 41.6% from three. JB deserved to be an All-Star, and his new contract seems like a bargain.
Every team in the league would love to have a player like Brunson. He works extremely hard and wins games. The 6’1 guard is only missing an NBA championship from his resume. JB won a state championship in high school and two NCAA championships. He helped the Mavericks reach the conference finals in 2022 and followed that up by leading the Knicks on a run.
The Knicks could get multiple draft picks and key players in return for Jalen Brunson if they put him on the market. That is not happening, though. Head coach Tom Thibodeau loves JB, and he is the perfect fit for the veteran coach’s system.
The New York Knicks are going to be active in the trade market this summer, but finding the proper deal is key. Who will be available? Can the Knicks be the team that lands the star? Stay tuned to find out.
