The New York Knicks are one of the NBA's most popular franchises. They also happen to be one of the least successful organizations over the past few years. New York's inability to win on a consistent basis often has fans dreaming of unrealistic trade scenarios. Perhaps the Knicks could acquire Russell Westbrook this offseason! (It's a joke, relax!)
Today, we are going to take a look at dream trade scenarios for the Knicks. Although these deals will be unrealistic, perhaps the team could find a way to pull them off down the road.
One note: Zion Williamson will not be included in this article, since it is feasible that the Knicks could acquire him. I wouldn't label that as an “unrealistic trade.”
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3 unrealistic trades Knicks must try to make in 2022 NBA offseason
The Knicks need to build around a star. Would acquiring a player such as Anthony Davis be possible? It's unlikely, but it is a dream trade scenario.
Davis's kryptonite has been injuries over the past few years. But he is one of the NBA's best big men when healthy.
His contract would be a burden for any team to take on. He is set to make around $37 million in 2022-2023, $40 million in 2023-2024, and potentially over $43 million in 2024-2025. However, his deal includes an early termination option following 2024. Julius Randle would likely need to be the centerpiece of the trade for the Lakers. The Knicks would then need to add on a few more players for contract matching.
Although this trade is unrealistic, is there any chance of these teams striking a deal?
The only way the Lakers say yes is if they decide they are tired of Davis's looming injury concerns. New York would obviously say yes in a heartbeat. Randle is not the player Davis is, but he has played over 70 games in each of the past two seasons. Durability is key for the Lakers. And Los Angeles would be able to acquire plenty of depth along with Randle.
Kyrie Irving has a player option for 2022-2023, and recent news out of Brooklyn is that talks between him and the Nets have gone stagnant, per NBA insider Shams Charania.
So Irving would qualify as a dream trade/free agent candidate depending on his future with the Nets. But as of this article's publication, he seems destined for free agency.
But why would adding Irving be unrealistic in nature even if he departs from Brooklyn? After all, Charania's report states that the Knicks are one of his expected suitors.
The Knicks have not displayed an ability to win at a consistent level. Stars such as Irving tend to look for winning organizations. A trio of Irving, RJ Barrett, and Julius Randle likely wouldn't be enough for the Knicks to make a Finals run.
New York also might have difficulty trusting Irving. He has missed a number of games over the years for various reasons. Making him your centerpiece star is risky.
With that being said, adding a star such as Irving would offer plenty of upside as well. It will be interesting to see if the Knicks can upset the odds and acquire/sign Kyrie Irving.
LeBron James to the Knicks! This certainly qualifies as an unrealistic trade possibility. But is there a semi-realistic route for LeBron to head to New York?
LeBron James's 2022-2023 will be a contract year. There is currently no extension on the table and LeBron will hit free agency next offseason barring any late extension discussions. If the Lakers feel their team is headed towards another dreadful season, they could opt to trade LeBron and rebuild.
Dealing a $44 million dollar contract wouldn't be easy. But trading LeBron, despite his age, would still be a simpler task than trading Russell Westbrook.
The Knicks would need to trade Julius Randle and possibly RJ Barrett along with picks and other players to entice the Lakers.
Final thoughts
These moves are unrealistic without question. But we have seen shocking moves made in the NBA before.
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