The New York Knicks have lost in the second round of the playoffs this season, and it is clear that the team must make some moves to become a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. One of the team’s issues was the lack of consistent offense next to Jalen Brunson, and it seems as though the team frequently relied on him to go nuclear to carry them on that end of the floor.
This trade would get the New York Knicks two All-Star-level players that are insanely talented: Karl Anthony-Towns is the best 3PT shooting big man in the league, while Brandon Ingram is an elite three-level shot creator who can help the team close games. Here is the three-team framework that would send both to the Knicks.
New York Knicks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Brandon Ingram
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Julius Randle, Dyson Daniels, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: RJ Barrett, Taurean Prince, Derrick Rose, 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIL)
This trade is definitely a good option for all three teams, and there is no doubt that every party has something that benefits them with this deal. Here is why this could be a great move.
The New York Knicks Add More Offensively-Leaning Players
The New York Knicks clearly have an All-Star-level player in Jalen Brunson, and he is definitely a player that they can try and build around. Ultimately, one star isn’t enough to win in today’s league: you need multiple elite offensive players to make noise in the playoffs. The Knicks have the assets to get two stars, and that is exactly what this deal gets them.
Karl-Anthony Towns has already been linked to the New York Knicks, and adding a talent like him would definitely give them a different dimension. He also has experience with coach Tom Thibodeau already, having spent some years with him during his time with the Timberwolves. This season, Towns has averaged 20.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 4.8 APG, while shooting a solid 36.6% from the 3PT range. He would be able to play his preferred position at center for the New York Knicks, which could help him play at the All-NBA level he has shown in the past.
Brandon Ingram has had the best season of his career this year, averaging 24.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 5.8 APG for the New Orleans Pelicans. He is a three-level shot creator that is particularly skilled from the midrange area. He can be a solid closer for the team next to Jalen Brunson and would be able to give the team an elite player at the SF position. As good as RJ Barrett is, it makes sense for the Knicks to move for a more established player and compete for a championship.
All three of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Brandon Ingram are star-level basketball players that command a huge amount of defensive attention. All three of them on the same team would collectively make their lives easier, and give the Knicks a core that can contend for the foreseeable future. This move would give the Knicks a fantastic foundation on which they can build on, and they could become a powerhouse if this trade is supplemented with other minor moves.
The Minnesota Timberwolves Make A Move Based On Positional Fit
The frontcourt of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert has had poor results thus far, and given the fact that the team just traded for Gobert, it is more likely that they will move Towns to recoup some assets and retool around Anthony Edwards.
This deal would obviously be centered around All-NBA power forward Julius Randle, and he would give the team a legitimate star-level forward that can fit next to Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards. He has some shot creation and floor spacing ability and is also a solid passer. Though he does struggle in the playoffs, perhaps he can do well when there is less focus on him to score next to Anthony Edwards. In the regular season, Randle averaged 25.1 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 4.1 APG for the Knicks.
The Minnesota Timberwolves would also get a former lottery pick in Dyson Daniels and a first-round pick from the Knicks in this deal. Dyson Daniels has already shown signs of being an elite defender, and he is also a solid passer as well. Daniels is a player that fits Anthony Edwards’ timeline and could develop into a quality player.
This deal for the Timberwolves is simply about making a trade that will help them have a more balanced roster. It is hard to succeed with two centers in the modern era, even if they are elite. Getting an All-NBA player and extra for Karl-Anthony Towns would be a solid proposition for the team and would give them a better chance of contention.
The New Orleans Pelicans Get A Solid Package For A Star On A Two-Year Deal
The New Orleans Pelicans might have to trade Brandon Ingram sooner rather than later due to his contract situation. Generally, it is better to get some value for a star rather than waiting for them to be in the last year of their deal. It is likely that Ingram will leave New Orleans in free agency to go to a contending team, and thus it makes sense for the franchise to get a deal for him now.
This deal would give the New Orleans Pelicans a solid two-way wing in RJ Barrett as the centerpiece for a return. Barrett had a solid playoff for the New York Knicks, averaging 19.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 2.8 APG for the team. He also has experience with Zion Williamson from his college days, and perhaps the two of them playing together could help the Pelicans become a perennial playoff team.
The Pelicans would also get two quality role players: point guard Derrick Rose from the New York Knicks and wing Taurean Prince from the Timberwolves. Rose would be a solid floor general coming off the bench, while Prince could help space the floor for Zion Williams as a 3 and D wing. On top of the role players, the team would also get two first-round picks due to the difference in ability between Barrett and Ingram.
Ultimately, this deal for the New Orleans Pelicans is about getting a solid package for a star that may end up leaving down the line. They can get a solid young player on a long-term deal for him, and seeing Barrett and Williamson together once again would be amazing from a basketball fan standpoint.
This Trade Would Be A Win For Everyone
There is no question that this trade would help the New York Knicks become a much more competitive team and gives them a chance to get out of a weaker Eastern Conference. This trade clearly lets them take another step as a team.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves would be able to address some of their respective roster/team construction issues and get good value for their stars.
It is clear that this deal could end up helping all three teams involved and could end up happening in the offseason. We will have to wait to see if this scenario comes to pass in the future.
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