After a massively disappointing season, the New York Knicks are back to the drawing board this offseason, where they hope to improve their roster and return to the upward trajectory they were on just a year ago.
In a very limited free-agent market, reports indicate the Knickerbockers could target Jazz big man Rudy Gobert as a centerpiece to their franchise.
The Athletic’s John Hollinger broke down the scenario in a recent article:
This one seems like more of a long shot, but you can never rule out the Knicks when it comes to making all-in trades for stars, and what better way to prevent Mitchell from pushing to go to New York than to have Gobert already there?
A Knicks deal would have to involve Evan Fournier’s slightly unpalatable contract and a few minnows thrown on top: Cam Reddish, for instance, and Nerlens Noel would make it cap-kosher. After July 1, it could involve Mitchell Robinson’s signed-and-traded contract too, but it’s more realistic a deal like this happens at the draft, where New York’s 11th overall pick could be part of the package.
The Knicks also could include two 2023 firsts (their own and Dallas’) and perhaps other draft assets, and that would have to be the real temptation for Utah: that the asset package from New York is so overwhelming, it offsets the lack of players who can help immediately.
As Hollinger notes, the key to the trade would be draft picks. If the Knicks are willing to package several in a deal for Gobert, it could be enough to pull off the trade.
But how far would Gobert elevate the Knicks?
As a 3x All-Star and 3x Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy is one of the most influential defenders in basketball. In New York, alongside Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, Gobert could thrive in Thibodeau’s system and make them a truly elite defensive club.
On offense, he’d be available for easy buckets and put-backs under the rim.
While Gobert alone probably wouldn’t be enough to make the Knicks a legitimate contender, it could be the first step to finally becoming a winning organization.
