Jusuf Nurkic trade rumors leads to horrible Knicks-Mitchell Robinson idea
The Jusuf Nurkić trade rumors are out in full force, so much so that the New York Knicks have been identified as a possible suitor for the 28-year-old. With the Trail Blazers amidst a period of uncertainty regarding Damian Lillard’s future, Portland needs to do everything that it can to build a winning team around the star point guard.
Nurkić has been the Blazers’ starting center since the Nuggets traded him ahead of the 2017 deadline. Since then, Nurkić has averaged 14.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 52.4% from the floor. Averaging nearly a double-double is enough to raise the eyebrows of any team that needs a big man, but Nurkić’s availability and contract are red flags.
He hasn’t played 70+ regular season games in a single season since 2018-19 when he played 72. Since then, Nurkić has played in only eight games (2019-20), 37 games (2020-21), 56 games (2021-22), and 52 games (2022-23). He still has three full years left on the four-year, $70 million extension that he signed with Portland last summer.
Especially since the Knicks have Mitchell Robinson, why would they ever be interested in making a move for Nurkić?
Jusuf Nurkićtrade rumors leads to horrible Knicks-Mitchell Robinson trade idea
The Ringer’s Michael Pina pondered whether or not the Knicks would swap Mitchell Robinson for Jusuf Nurkić and a couple of second-round picks. Pick up the phone and complete that deal right now, Leon Rose! Not.
Robinson is younger, a better defender, is on a better contract, and has played in more regular season games the past two seasons than Nurkić has. New York’s front office has been strategic with the moves that it’s made since Rose was named president in 2020, and there would be zero benefit to the Knicks making that trade. Or are front offices supposed to be motivated to make trades that would make their team worse? Because that’s what would happen if New York completed a Robinson-Nurkić deal.
Robinson has his flaws, but the Knicks would have to be desperate to swap him for Nurkićand second-round picks.
Unless it’s for a deal that involves bringing a star to New York, please keep Mitchell Robinson out of the trade machine.
