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3 Scenarios the New York Knicks desperately need to avoid in 2023-24

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 11: Head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on January 11, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 119-113. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 11: Head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on January 11, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 119-113. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls. (Photo by David Yeazell/USA TODAY Sports) – New York Knicks /

1: Trading for the wrong star

Another season could pass without the Knicks making their long-awaited move for a superstar, and that’s okay. While a player like Joel Embiid could be made available before the deadline if the Sixers’ mess turns into a complete disaster, it’s likelier that next summer will be when the front office cashes their assets in.

Last February, New York fans were in a frenzy, thinking the team was in talks with Chicago for Zach LaVine. That report was false, but a similar situation could easily happen again before this season’s deadline. The Bulls will officially be without Lonzo Ball for at least another year and, like the Raptors, would be better off throwing their hands up and entering a rebuilding period.

After 2023-24, LaVine will have three full seasons left on his current contract, including a player option in 2026-27. Given how the Eastern Conference improved in the past week alone, Chicago could listen to trade offers for LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Neither fit the Knicks’ timeline.

Fans growing impatient with Leon Rose and Co. is normal because it’s been a long time since New York had a superstar on the roster. However, the front office’s patience will all be for naught if the Knicks trade for a star for simply no other reason than to do so.

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