Why is Evan Fournier still on the New York Knicks’ roster? That’s a question many fans have asked over the past couple of months (and weeks). With preseason underway and the regular season slated to start in less than two weeks, the 30-year-old guard is entering his third season with the Knicks.
Fournier publicly said he wants to perform so well in practice that Tom Thibodeau will be forced to play him, but if that’s his true hope, he’ll be disappointed. New York has a guard-heavy roster, and with the offseason addition of Donte DiVincenzo, Fournier’s chances of rejoining the rotation have dropped even further.
He’s on an expiring $18.9 million contract, which is significant for the Knicks because it can be used to match salary in a trade for a star. If the right star is unavailable before the deadline, the front office may pivot and look into acquiring another player.
New York Post’s Stefan Bondy reported on Oct. 7 that, according to a source, the Knicks are “monitoring three targets.” Which of those targets should the front office seriously consider trading for if the moment presents itself?
Knicks reportedly monitoring three star trade targets entering 2023-24
3: Karl-Anthony Towns
Bondy nailed it when he wrote that out of the three reported targets, Karl-Anthony Towns would be “the most feasible in-season deal.” In his eight seasons in Minnesota, the team has made it to the playoffs three times, all of which were first-round exits. The Timberwolves have made back-to-back postseason trips but won only three out of eight games.
To state the obvious, Towns is a CAA client. Over the past year, New York traded for Josh Hart (CAA) and signed Donte DiVincenzo in free agency (CAA). Towns has constantly been linked to the Knicks, so it makes sense that he’s a player the front office is reportedly monitoring.
The 27-year-old has four years left on his contract, including a $61.6 million player option in 2027-28. The four-year supermax extension Towns signed last offseason kicks in at the start of 2024-25.
Towns was limited to 29 regular season games in 2022-23 because of a calf injury, but in 2021-22, he averaged 24.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, shooting 52.9% from the field and 41% from three in 74 games. There’s no use in arguing that those aren’t impressive numbers, but an argument worth having is whether or not he’s the star New York has been waiting on.
He isn’t a notable playoff performer, has a concerning injury history, and is owed a lot of money. The existing connections are there, but would it really be worth it to give up a combination of draft assets and young players for Towns? No thanks!
Verdict: Pass
2: Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell feels like an old Knicks friend between the 2022 trade saga that involved him wanting to be back home in New York. The 27-year-old guard is entering year two in Cleveland, hoping it won’t end with another first-round exit.
At Media Day, Mitchell confirmed he won’t sign an extension before the season starts, which makes sense because he could be eligible for more money next summer.
Donovan Mitchell said he will not sign an extension this offseason with the Cavs, but he is still exploring the possibility of doing so next summer. #Cavs pic.twitter.com/8vEmICPsTj
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) October 2, 2023
He reiterated his focus on winning a championship, which, shocker, is what most NBA players are focused on. The Cavaliers are projected to be another top team in the East this season, especially after signing shooters Max Strus and Georges Niang in free agency. The question is whether or not Cleveland will fizzle out in the playoffs for the second straight year.
Including 2023-24, Mitchell has three years left on his current contract. He has a $37 million player option in 2025-26, so there’s always the chance that he could be a free agent in 2025, no matter how slight it might be. If he doesn’t want to sign an extension with the Cavaliers, their front office would trade him before letting him walk for nothing.
As bizarre as it may seem, New York could get Mitchell for a cheaper price than Cleveland paid. He wouldn’t admit it publicly if so, but how could he still not be thinking about the idea of playing for the Knicks one day?
New York is right to have Mitchell on its list of top trade targets, as he’s made his mark in the playoffs and is still three years away from turning 30.
Verdict: Pursue
1: Joel Embiid
James Harden showing up to Sixers training camp doesn’t mean he’s happy to stay with Philadelphia for another year. Rather than be fined, he showed up to work. His desire to be traded hasn’t changed.
The Sixers’ outlook isn’t looking good, with or without Harden. At this point, the team isn’t going to get the haul they want in return for him, and even if he did want to be in Philadelphia, there are still his recent playoff shortcomings.
Embiid is committed to winning a championship, and even though he’s trusted the process, it hasn’t been kind to him and Sixers fans. The last time Philadelphia made it to the Eastern Conference Finals was in 2001, and if Daryl Morey can’t orchestrate a deep playoff run in 2024, Embiid could be on the way out next summer.
Honestly, it wouldn’t be surprising if the star center hit the trade market before the February deadline. It’s the NBA, and anything can happen.
Embiid should be the top player on the Knicks’ radar, especially because he’d fit perfectly next to Jalen Brunson. He already has a relationship with Leon Rose, and New York is no longer viewed as a joke of an organization. The reigning MVP wouldn’t get to choose where he’s traded if things come to that, but it’d be hard to believe that NYC wouldn’t be at the top of his list.
Verdict: Pursue