The New York Knicks are off to a disappointing start this season.
The current cornerstones of the Knicks’ franchise are Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. Randle, who had an excellent season last year, has regressed slightly in the 2021–2022 NBA season. While Randle is attempting slightly over five three-pointers per game, he is only converting these looks at a 31.2% clip.
The Knicks have a quality starting center in Mitchell Robinson, although he may not be exactly what this team needs right now. This is where the Indiana Pacers come in. Myles Turner is an excellent young big man, and he would fit the Knicks roster like a glove. Turner has an ability to shoot from deep and space the floor, (34.9 percent on 4.4 attempts per game, numbers which have held consistent for the past two seasons) which would help to open up the court for the Knicks two young stars, Barrett and Randle.
So, what does the framework for a trade look like?
First and foremost, Indiana is almost certainly going to ask for Obi Toppin. It is unlikely that the Knicks will want to give up Toppin, but they may still be able to build a package that will be enticing to Indiana.
Knicks – Myles Turner Trade Details
The deal
New York Knicks receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers receive: Mitchell Robinson, 2024 and 2026 first round picks (each top-3 protected), and Kemba Walker
With this trade, the Knicks are receiving Turner while Indiana receives several players that will be pillars of their next competitive roster. Mitchell Robinson is a quality young big who is extremely efficient scoring around the rim. Robinson doesn't fit perfectly with the Knicks roster, but Indiana would be able to build around him in a way that New York is unable to.
However, perhaps even more valuable to the Pacers than Robinson, would be the two first round picks that the Knicks would be sending to Indiana in this proposed deal. Draft picks are like currency in the NBA, and the Knicks would be able to be more comfortable sending these picks away as long as they feel as if they have a contending roster in place.
Kemba Walker will also need to be included to make this trade work salary-cap wise. The Bronx native and former UConn standout has been through an up-and-down season with his hometown team, but he will be able to provide veteran leadership and some exciting moments for the Pacers while ultimately not doing enough to win many games single-handedly. This will achieve that rare balance of keeping fans in the seats while also not hurting the team’s draft position, which could negatively impact their rebuild.
If Indiana decides that they are seriously considering a rebuild, New York’s front office should be on the line immediately.
Why New York makes this trade
This trade benefits the Knicks by partnering their key players (Barrett and Randle) with a center who meshes very well with their skillsets. Trading Walker will also open up more time for Immanuel Quickly, which will help to further solidify this young core for the Knicks. Each of these players will fit together better than they did prior to the trade, which will raise the team’s overall ceiling.
Why Indiana makes this trade
This deal also works out well for Indiana, as they will get the rebuild off to a quick start. Robinson is young enough that he will be able to be a key component of the next competitive core in Indiana. Walker will provide leadership and excitement without too much short-term winning, while the two draft picks will be valuable either as picks or as part of a trade package for a player who fits well with their future core. The Knicks should also be willing to toss in Kevin Knox as a sweetener. Knox would be a lottery ticket with talent that might be able to figure things out during a rebuild away from the bright lights of New York City.
This is a deal that makes sense for both sides, and if Indy decides a rebuild is in their future, the Knicks should be on the phone immediately to work out a deal for Myles Turner.
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