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3 Rumored Knicks trade targets not worth giving up RJ Barrett for

By Mark Nilon

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 23: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center on March 23, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 23: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center on March 23, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) – New York Knicks
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

3. DeMar DeRozan

Throughout his 14-year career in the association, DeMar DeRozan has established himself as one of the more prominent two-way wings the modern game has had to offer.

A six-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selectee, the veteran boasts impressive career averages of 21.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 steals on 46.8 percent shooting from the field.

Even during his age-33 campaign last season, DeRozan still showed the type of impact he can have in the league, as he clinched yet another All-Star nod to go along with averages of 24.5 points, 5.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on 50.4 percent shooting from the field.

With this type of production, some, such as SNY’s Ian Begley, have suggested the Knicks should strongly consider pursuing a trade for his services to make a serious run at a championship in 2023-24.

Over the last several months, fans and media pundits have taken on the role of make-believe GM and have constructed trade packages to send DeRozan to the Knicks, many of which have included the likes of Barrett heading out to the Windy City.

Now, there’s a strong argument to be made that Barrett currently is the weakest link in Tom Thibodeau’s starting lineup, and his erratic play over the last few seasons has made per-game outcomes incredibly hard to predict.

However, if Rose and Co. were to look for an upgrade and, in turn, a replacement, is the answer really in the form of a 34-year-old inching closer and closer toward the twilight years of his career?

Adding DeRozan to the roster without giving up the likes of Barrett has the potential to bolster their overall talent pool, but a swap seems to make little sense from a long-term perspective, especially considering New York is not just one piece away from legitimately contending.

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