The New York Knicks have the assets and desire to trade for a star, but they have been patiently waiting for the right player. New York has four additional first-round picks plus all of their selections and young talent to entice any team. They could trade for a star, but who?
Damian Lillard is the best player on the market, but fans should not expect to see him in the Big Apple. The seven-time All-Star wants to play for the Heat, and the Knicks are not eager to put an undersized guard next to Jalen Brunson in their backcourt. James Harden wants out of Philadelphia, but New York is not pursuing the ten-time All-Star.
The only star currently available that the New York Knicks might target is Pascal Siakam. The 6’9 forward is entering the final year of his contract, and the Raptors should look to trade him if the two sides cannot agree on an extension. Siakam is an impactful player on both ends of the floor with versatility, but what could the Knicks offer?
5 Pascal Siakam trades that make sense for New York Knicks
5. Knicks’ dream scenario
Siakam wants to sign an extension with the Raptors, and rumors suggest he is unwilling to agree to a new contract with any team that trades for him. The Knicks would acquire him believing they could convince him to stay long-term, but no extension likely keeps the price down.
New York cannot go all-in on one season of Siakam, so expect the offer to start low. The Mavericks traded two role players, one first-round pick, and two seconds to acquire Kyrie Irving, who was on an expiring contract, at February’s deadline. The Knicks get a full season of Siakam, which necessitates at least two first-rounders.
The Raptors have little use for Mitchell Robinson after re-signing Jakob Poeltl, but Immanuel Quickley gives them a young talented guard that could take a step forward on a retooling roster. The Knicks want to dump Fournier, but they do give up two first-rounders and some pieces for Siakam.
The Toronto Raptors are not making this deal, but they would have a counteroffer if the franchise decides to move on from the two-time All-Star.
4. Raptors’ dream scenario
Toronto shoots their shot here. Pascal Siakam is an elite player, and the Raptors have zero interest in selling low. His contract is a matter for another day. If someone wants to get Siakam out of Toronto, they must be willing to part with a massive haul. The Raptors will want a superstar return, but this is just too much, especially without the guarantee of a long-term commitment.
The Knicks could trade Barrett, Quickley, and Grimes for at least one first-round draft pick each, so this is an unbelievable haul. New York may consider parting with it for reigning MVP Joel Embiid, but not Siakam. The 29-year-old is an elite talent, but more a top-30 player than a surefire MVP candidate.
The Knicks have zero interest in this package, but it gives the two sides something to work with. How do they meet in the middle? Lessening the player return and draft pick haul is the top priority for New York. The Raptors will be focused on getting multiple selections and talent that can help right now. They have no desire to tank, which could make the negotiations trickier.
The New York Knicks keep R.J. Barrett out of the talks as they look to make things work.
3. Knicks counteroffer
New York has to choose between trading Julius Randle or R.J. Barrett if they want to make this deal work. Barrett is six years younger and more versatile, but Randle is the superior player right now. Look no further than the 6’8 forward’s two All-Star and All-NBA appearances to prove that.
If they are acquiring Siakam, it would make sense to deal Randle. The two play the same position, and the Knicks would not have to worry about figuring out how to keep the two on the floor with another big man when matching up against Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic. The Knicks counter with this.
It is a fair offer considering Siakam is on an expiring contract. The Raptors are getting a fellow All-Star and two first-round draft picks, but it won’t be enough. Masai Ujiri does not trade his talent without getting a massive return. He will hold out for more, and the Knicks must pay the price if they want Pascal Siakam.
Acquiring one of the best players in the league is never easy, and there will be more hurdles. Ujiri will again shoot high with his counteroffer, but it will open the door for the two sides to finalize a deal.
2. Raptors counteroffer
Masai Ujiri won’t come down much from his top offer, but eliminating the pick swaps proves there is wiggle room in making the deal. If he is willing to take the pick swaps out, Ujiri is open to negotiating other parts of the deal.
Toronto does not want to rebuild, especially after re-signing Jakob Poeltl to a four-year $80 million contract this summer. Expect the Raptors to ask for multiple pieces that improve their rotation right now along with multiple first-round picks.
This is still too much. The Knicks cannot give up six of their best trade assets for one season of Pascal Siakam. There is no guarantee that he signs a long-term deal, and that should be a factor for New York before agreeing on this deal.
Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes have been in trade talks. They are both quality role players, but neither will prevent this deal from happening. Ujiri knows that which gives him leverage in acquiring both. Will Leon Rose make that a deal-breaker? That seems unlikely, so he must focus on lowering the price.
The New York Knicks must retain R.J. Barrett and lessen the draft pick compensation. They cannot give away all of that for Siakam, but would this compromise work for both sides?
1. Most likely trade
The New York Knicks must insist on giving up Julius Randle over R.J. Barrett, and they should play hardball on what draft picks they give up. It will not be their unprotected firsts going to Toronto. The Pistons and Wizards selections they own in 2024 are both heavily protected, and they are the type of firsts that make this deal look larger, but keep the price down for New York.
This is still a massive haul for Siakam, and one the Raptors would struggle to refuse under the current circumstances.
Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, and Quentin Grimes are in the Raptors’ rotation immediately. It gives them more depth and versatility under new head coach Darko Rajakovic. Toronto arguably improves its odds of contention and its long-term future here.
The Knicks get a star and still have the assets to acquire another. Jalen Brunson, Pascal Siakam, and R.J. Barrett are a dangerous top three with the potential to improve. This trade could push New York into title contention, and the race is wide open.
Will the New York Knicks pull off a blockbuster trade this summer? The odds are dwindling each day, but fans should hold out hope. The franchise has the assets and the desire, so stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.
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