The New York Knicks have made some impressive additions to their roster this summer. While they have firmly cemented their status as title contenders, the Knicks still appear unfinished in forming a true title-contending roster.
Most of the Knicks’ roster-building efforts have seen them cultivate roster depth by adding key free agents such as Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele. In the process of adding solid role players, the Knicks now find themselves at an impasse.
Before training camp, the Knicks had signed several veterans, including Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet, to one-year deals. Given that these were non-guaranteed deals, these players were expected to compete for a place in the team’s final roster heading into the regular season.
The only issue is New York’s limited flexibility under the second tax apron, which raised more problems since the team reportedly showed an inclination to retain both Brogdon and Shamet.
Given the current issues with roster and cap space, the Knicks could open up one more spot by facilitating a trade. To address this, here’s a potential trade idea between the Knicks and the Sacramento Kings.
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: 2027 second-round pick (CHA)
Sacramento Kings Receive: Pacome Dadiet
This trade idea primarily caters to the Knicks’ need to clear cap space to facilitate the signings of Brogdon and Shamet, among other potential additions.
Earlier reports had suggested that Knicks guards Miles McBride and/or Tyler Kolek could be viewed as likely trade targets. However, trading former first-round pick Pacome Dadiet could also be promising in retrospect.
Reports indicate that of the three remaining roster spots, the Knicks will be inclined to sign Mohamed Diawara, along with the two veterans. In order to facilitate these signings, the Knicks could attempt to trade Dadiet, who is currently valued at $2.85 million and has a higher demand in the market compared to Kolek, according to league sources. With money coming off the books and a second-round draft pick in return, New York would view this trade favorably.
Dadiet wasn’t particularly impressive during his rookie season. With an average of 1.7 points and 1.0 rebounds per game, shooting 32.3% from the field, the 20-year-old didn’t really mesmerize with his performance on the floor. However, internal sources appear to be convinced of his potential.
The young forward showcases impressive physical tools, athleticism, and possesses the qualities to be a solid wing player. While his perimeter shooting will need to be cultivated, he has displayed instincts as a scorer and even presents some upside as a secondary playmaker.
Given his skill set, a trade with the Kings could prove to be sensible. Sacramento’s offseason efforts were primarily invested in facilitating a trade to acquire Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Although the Kings came very close to completing the deal, they ultimately came up short, as the forward re-signed with the Warriors.
While failing to land Kuminga will certainly be met with disappointment, the Kings could look at acquiring someone similar. When considering his build, athleticism, and skill set, Dadiet could be likened to the Warriors forward. Although he would demand more investment in developing his talent, the 20-year-old could be a solid backup acquisition for the Kings.
The Knicks Could Make It Out Of The East
The New York Knicks were heavily criticized for their shortcomings in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. But considering that it was the team’s first ECF appearance in 25 years, it could still be considered successful.
The postseason run effectively laid the foundations for the current iteration of the Knicks. Led by a talented star duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, New York has shown that it has the tools to contend for the title.
On that note, the 2025-26 season itself could be the perfect window. With several teams falling out of contention in the East, the Knicks have a clear path to securing a top spot in the conference. By making the appropriate adjustments and having the right mindset, New York could realistically make it out of the East.
