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3 All-Stars the Knicks can’t be tempted to trade for in 2023-24 season

By Jordanna Clark

Dec 31, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a goal tending call during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a goal tending call during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ah, another New York Knicks season is almost upon us. More specifically, another season where the Knicks will continue to be connected to any star who shows even the slightest amount of frustration with their team. At this point, fans are used to it.

Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo are already on New York’s radar, and a few more players could be added to that list before the trade deadline. An NBA season never passes without its fair share of entertainment and then some.

If 2023-24 is the year the Knicks will make their “big” move, it doesn’t need to be for one of the All-Stars listed below.

3 All-Stars the Knicks can’t be tempted to trade for in 2023-24 season

3: Zion Williamson

The Pelicans looked like one of the best teams in the West last season but were derailed by injuries. For the third time in his four years since being drafted No. 1 overall, Zion Williamson played in less than 30 games (29).

Soon after the calendar turned to 2023, Williamson strained his right hamstring against the Sixers on Jan. 2, his final game of 2022-23. Before that point, he averaged 26 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

The 23-year-old’s drawn unwanted attention to himself with some offseason controversy, causing many to question his commitment to the game.

At the end of last season, David Griffin was asked what Williamson needed to do to stay on the court, and his answer wasn’t reassuring.

"“I wish I could immediately pinpoint the answer. I think a big part is on him,” Griffin said. “I think there is a lot he can do better. And he would, I think, tell you that. I think we need to do a better job examining the whole situation top to bottom a little bit better."

Knicks fans were crossing their fingers, hoping New York would win the draft lottery in 2019, but the organization was awarded the third pick. The Zion hype was real four summers ago, but his availability and off-the-court actions have caused his future to be filled with question marks.

If the first half of the Pelicans’ season doesn’t go as hoped, maybe Williamson could hit the trade market before the February deadline. If that is the case, the Knicks, as tempted as they might be, shouldn’t proceed with a deal.

Not only is he signed through 2028 and will make between $34 and $44 million over the next five years, but New York needs stability when it comes to a star player.

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