Subscribe
Follow Us
The New York Knicks are in a difficult position for this year's NBA trade deadline because they have some players on horrible contracts who may be difficult to move. In Madison Square Garden, there's certainly a need for a true superstar, and if the Knicks don't take care of business and sign that guy, they'll continue to struggle as they have this season.
The Knicks' front office has stated that they will do everything possible to return the franchise to its former status as a championship contender. Unfortunately for New York fans, they did not do a good job last summer, and while they did make some changes, they were not the proper choices, and now they are in an even worse situation than they were before the season because of how much they are paying guys like Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker.
The Knicks will need to sign a superstar if they are to have any chance of succeeding this season. Julius Randle is an above-average player without a doubt, but he can't be the number one choice on a team that wants to win a championship.
Let's look at four deals that might help the Knicks land a superstar, or guys who could be key players for them and serve as the team's second star if they do land the first star.
While all of these trades could be tough, some contending teams are going to overpay and due to the players' salary, they will have to give back a big package. Not all of these trades are likely, but contending teams are going to be doing everything they can to get better, which could cause some wild trades to be done, as we have seen in the past. Teams in a rebuild type of situation will also attempt to move some key players, and at times, for less than what they are worth.
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Best Trades The Knicks Must Make Before The NBA Trade Deadline
Blazers get: Taj Gibson, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, Obi Toppin, two future first-round picks
Knicks get: Damian Lillard
One terrible situation for the Knicks is that if they are to obtain a star in return, which they urgently need, they will almost certainly have to deal Obi Toppin. From the perspective of an NBA fan, this would not appear to be something the Knicks would want to do, but given that they hardly ever play the youngster, it might be something they consider.
Obviously, if the Portland Trail Blazers are ever going to accept a deal like this, the Knicks will have to call them as soon as possible. Damian Lillard is a player that Madison Square Garden sorely needs, and the Knicks will have to give up whatever it takes to get him.
Kings get: Taj Gibson, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, Obi Toppin
Knicks get: De’Aaron Fox
Article Continues Below
This is another intriguing trade, but many New York fans do not want De'Aaron Fox. It's hard to say if Fox would be the perfect fit for this Knicks squad, but he'd surely be a step up from what they have now, and given that they wouldn't have to give up as many draft pick as they would for some other players, this might be the best trade the Knicks could make. It's possible that they'd have to include a draft selection in this trade, but at the end of the day, the only thing the Knicks would really be giving up is Obi Toppin.
Pacers get: Taj Gibson, Alec Burks, Obi Toppin, 2023-first round pick
Knicks get: Myles Turner
This might be something the Knicks are interested in doing as well, since they could need some assistance at the center position. Given that the Indiana Pacers have stated that Myles Turner will be dealt before the deadline, bringing in potentially a top-five center in the NBA is surely something they should explore.
Unfortunately, Myles Turner isn't the ideal player for the Knicks, as he would still require them to go out and find a point guard capable of playing at a high level and running an offense. Although Myles Turner would be a step in the right direction for the Knicks, there will be better options available, and unless they can find a way to get a starting point guard and a guy like Myles Turner, it wouldn't make sense for them to go after Turner because they would still be in no position to win a championship this season.
Wizards get: Kemba Walker, Alec Burks, Obi Toppin, Nerlens Noel
Knicks get: Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal will possibly be dealt at this year's deadline. It is clear that he is not enjoying his time in Washington, as seen by some of his on-court body language.
This may be an intriguing trade for the Knicks, but having Bradley Beal back will surely benefit them. Bradley Beal has the ability to score roughly 30 points every night, and while he is having a down year in Washington, once he comes to Madison Square Garden, he will most likely be back to his old form.
