The New York Knicks made a massive jump last year by making it to the second round of the playoffs after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. Thanks to the brilliance of Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, the Knicks had enough firepower to improve upon the prior year. However, to truly get to another level and actually contend for a championship, they need to add a bonafide All-Star talent.
Currently, the Knicks sit at 12-8, which is a good record, but not many expect them to elevate their level of play and compete with the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference. Luckily, there are five massive blockbuster trades for the Knicks right now to take one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports to the forefront of success.
These five trade ideas for the New York Knicks mean they can come very close to creating one of the best teams in the entire league without a doubt. While it will require losing some key assets, the Knicks must be willing to gamble in order to get to another level.
A New Big Three With Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine is at his peak right now at 28 years old and the Knicks can take a chance to improve the team now and for the foreseeable future by engaging the Chicago Bulls in trade discussions.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bucks), 2025 Second-Round Pick
The inclusion of Zach LaVine promises an instant offensive surge for the New York Knicks, as one of the NBA’s elite scoring guards is boasting 21.0 points per game this season, showcasing his prowess in creating shots, excelling in isolation, and sinking three-pointers despite being involved in trade rumors. This infusion of offensive dynamism holds the key to alleviating the Knicks’ scoring challenges as they only rank 23rd in PPG this season.
Zach LaVine’s arrival in New York not only promises an immediate scoring boost but also synergizes seamlessly with the existing talents of Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson. Randle’s dynamic inside-outside game (21.5 PPG) and playmaking ability perfectly complement LaVine’s scoring prowess, creating a formidable offensive tandem that opponents would struggle to contain.
Additionally, Jalen Brunson’s adeptness in orchestrating the offense and facilitating ball movement (5.6 APG) adds a valuable dimension to this trio, forming a well-rounded offensive arsenal. LaVine’s ability to create his own shot and excel in isolation situations aligns harmoniously with Randle’s versatility, while Brunson’s playmaking skills ensure a cohesive and fluid offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, Quentin Grimes injects youthful vigor and substantial potential into the Bulls’ lineup at 23 years old. Grimes’ scoring prowess and versatility further position him as a promising rising talent. This proposed trade aligns seamlessly with the Bulls’ aspiration to construct a competitive, long-term team, envisioning these young players alongside first-round picks as a foundational core for the franchise’s future success.
Trading For A Veteran All-Star
The Knicks can also make a move for six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan whose time could be up in Chicago due to potential rebuilding strategies and the player’s desire to play for another big market.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bucks), 2025 Second-Round Pick
DeMar DeRozan, a seasoned scoring veteran in the NBA, brings a transformative element to the New York Knicks with his exceptional ability to create shots, particularly excelling in mid-range and close-range situations. The Knicks, grappling with offensive inconsistencies, could benefit immensely from DeRozan’s immediate scoring prowess, as evidenced by his solid 21.5 points per game on 45.6% shooting this season.
Beyond his on-court contributions, DeRozan’s wealth of experience and leadership make him a valuable asset for the Knicks, especially in mentoring the team’s younger talents such as Randle and Brunson. His influence extends beyond the game, helping instill a winning culture within the organization. Drawing from his extensive playoff experience, particularly with the Toronto Raptors, DeRozan could be a linchpin for the Knicks during postseason runs, providing a composed and reliable presence in high-pressure situations—a crucial factor when facing elite teams.
In the proposed scenario, the Chicago Bulls stand to gain immensely by acquiring Grimes, a promising young talent with considerable potential. At just 23 years old, Grimes has showcased flashes of being an exciting scorer in his early career, positioning him as a prospective cornerstone player for the Bulls’ future, offering the potential to develop into a two-way starter as well. Most importantly, the Bulls also gain three valuable picks and also gain the expiring deal of Evan Fournier (team option in 2025). The trade not only addresses the Knicks’ immediate needs but also sets the stage for the Bulls to build a formidable and youthful foundation for sustained success.
Creating A Scary Modern Twin-Tower Pairing
The New York Knicks have done very well with Julius Randle as the dominant big man but perhaps they might need to go in a different direction by giving him a skilled shooter at the power forward or center position.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Bucks)
Karl-Anthony Towns, a dynamic and highly skilled center at the pinnacle of his career, offers the New York Knicks an immediate transformation in their frontcourt. His presence not only establishes a dominant interior force but also introduces a versatile scoring threat, renowned for proficiency both inside and outside the paint, exceptional rebounding, and shot-blocking prowess. Towns’ integration with talents like Jalen Brunson, alongside potential additional acquisitions, would substantially elevate the Knicks’ competitive edge, particularly enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Beyond scoring, Towns’ all-around versatility aligns seamlessly with the modern NBA style, making him an ideal fit for the Knicks. His three-point shooting prowess (career 39.6%), rim-protecting abilities, and playmaking contributions add layers to the team’s dynamics. The synergy between Towns and Randle could create a formidable inside-outside combination, rendering the Knicks a more adaptable and challenging team for opponents to defend.
In considering a blockbuster move, the potential exchange involving RJ Barrett, a first-round pick, and Immanuel Quickley positions the Knicks strategically for long-term success. Barrett becomes a promising running mate for Anthony Edwards, while the additional assets contribute to the Knicks’ future prospects. Quickley’s immediate offensive impact further enhances the team’s depth, whether in the starting lineup or off the bench, creating a compelling scenario for the Timberwolves to potentially move on from their former No. 1 overall pick.
Completing Zion Williamson’s Legacy In New York
Zion Williamson is a name that has been linked to the New York Knicks since he arrived in the NBA and it might be time for him to make the move and solidify his future.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bucks), 2025 Second-Round Pick
The proposed trade between the New York Knicks and the New Orleans Pelicans, with the Knicks acquiring Zion Williamson in exchange for Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 first-round pick (via the Bucks), and a 2025 second-round pick, signifies a significant reshaping of both teams. Zion Williamson’s addition to the Knicks would bring an explosive and dynamic presence to their frontcourt.
At just 23 years old, Williamson’s athleticism, scoring ability, and versatility make him a generational talent. His fit with Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett holds immense promise, as Williamson’s interior dominance and ability to score in transition complement Brunson’s playmaking skills and Barrett’s scoring prowess. Sacrificing Randle, while a notable loss given his All-Star caliber performance, is a strategic move that underscores the Knicks’ commitment to building around the young and electrifying talent of Zion Williamson, aiming for a sustainable and formidable future core.
So far this season, Zion is averaging 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. The inclusion of future draft assets adds a layer of complexity to the trade, reflecting the high value placed on securing Williamson’s potential impact on the Knicks’ long-term success. It has always been somewhat of a foregone conclusion that Zion would be a New York Knicks player, and the right time could be now.
A New Chance For Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell had an excellent season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2023 campaign, averaging a career-high 28.3 points per game but the Knicks should make the biggest trade of the season and acquire the superstar shooting guard.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Bucks)
In their pursuit of a coveted spot in the Eastern Conference Finals at least, securing Donovan Mitchell would mark a significant triumph for the New York Knicks. Recognized as a dynamic, All-Star-caliber guard celebrated for his scoring prowess, versatility, and clutch performances, Mitchell’s arrival promises an instant elevation of the Knicks’ backcourt. Effectively addressing their scoring deficiencies, he positions the team as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.
Teaming Mitchell with Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson forms a potent Big Three poised to maintain a high-level performance for at least the next five seasons. Mitchell’s knack for creating shots, excelling in isolation, and facilitating plays for teammates not only enhances the Knicks’ offensive capabilities but also establishes them as a more competitive force within the Eastern Conference.
Simultaneously, the Cleveland Cavaliers bolster their roster by adding the 23-year-old RJ Barrett to a youthful core featuring Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. With none of them yet reaching 26 years of age, this emerging core holds the promise of growing together over the next decade, setting the stage for a bright and enduring future in Cleveland. However, the real winner is New York because a chance for a Big Three with Mitchell arriving as their best player probably won’t be possible again.
