- One of 10 blockbuster trades can involve the New York Knicks this summer
- The Knicks need to find a way to add an All-Star to the roster
- The Eastern Conference is wide open for New York to capitalize
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.
- A Straight Swap On The Wing
- A Gamble For Injury-Prone Star
- Improved Athleticism With Zach LaVine
- More Playmaking In A Gamble Trade
- An All-Star Swingman Who Can Primarily Score
- A New Chance For Donovan Mitchell
- Adding A Sharpshooting Big Man
- Finally Acquiring Zion Williamson
- New York Breaks The Bank For Dame
- A Blockbuster Move For League’s MVP
There are 10 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. Winning 47 games is nothing to sniff at, especially since they made it past the first round of the playoffs, but they have a chance to push for the Eastern Conference Finals and compete with the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
Without further ado, here are the 10 blockbuster trade ideas for the New York Knicks, whereby 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 Straight Swap On The Wing
The first blockbuster trade idea features six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan whose time could be up in Chicago due to potential rebuilding strategies.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: RJ Barrett, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick
DeMar DeRozan is a seasoned scorer in the NBA. His ability to create his own shot and excel in mid-range and close-range situations can provide an immediate scoring boost to the Knicks, who have often struggled with offensive consistency. After all, the All-Star averaged 24.5 points per game on 50.4% shooting last season.
His experience and leadership on and off the court can be invaluable for a young Knicks roster. He can mentor the team’s younger players, including their stars Randle and Brunson, and help instill a winning culture. DeRozan’s extensive playoff experience with the Toronto Raptors can be an asset for the Knicks if they aim to make a deeper playoff run mainly due to clutch ability.
For the Bulls, acquiring RJ Barrett would give the Bulls a promising young talent with significant potential. Barrett has shown flashes of brilliance in his early career and could become a cornerstone player for Chicago’s future because he is only 23 years old and has plenty of potential to develop into a two-way All-Star.
A Gamble For Injury-Prone Star
Despite his injury history, Paul George is a multiple-time NBA All-Star and an elite two-way player. His ability to score, defend, and contribute in various facets of the game makes him a valuable addition to any team looking to get to a new level.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick
If he is healthy, Paul George’s presence on the Knicks would likely enhance their playoff aspirations. His experience and skill set would provide a significant boost in their postseason competitiveness because the man carried the Indiana Pacers early on in his career and also led the Los Angeles Clippers to the Western Conference Finals in the 2020-21 season.
Pairing Paul George with Julius Randle could create a dynamic star duo for the Knicks, giving them a potent one-two punch on offense and defense. George has made four All-Defensive Team selections and can defend one through four positions at an elite level. As solid as RJ Barrett has been, he might never reach George’s standard of defense, and the Knicks can finally elevate their championship aspirations as a result.
Meanwhile, the Clippers give Kawhi Leonard three new pieces to play around, with Barrett getting a chance to learn from one of the best wing players of all time. Quickley is an instant scorer off the bench (14.9 PPG in 2023) and will push Norman Powell permanently into the starting lineup while Fournier also proves three-point shooting for the contending roster.
Improved Athleticism With Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine is only 28 years old and has six more years of his prime at the least, meaning 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: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick
The addition of Zach LaVine would bring an immediate scoring upgrade to the New York Knicks. LaVine is one of the NBA’s premier scoring guards who averaged 24.8 points per game on 48.5% FG and 37.5% 3-PT FG in 2023. He can create his own shot, excel in isolation situations, and knock down three-pointers. This offensive firepower could help alleviate the Knicks’ scoring struggles, providing a much-needed boost to their offensive efficiency.
The addition of Zach LaVine would bring an immediate scoring upgrade to the New York Knicks. LaVine is one of the NBA’s premier scoring guards, known for his ability to create his own shot, excel in isolation situations, and knock down three-pointers. This offensive firepower could help alleviate the Knicks’ scoring struggles, providing a much-needed boost to their offensive efficiency.
RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley bring youth and significant potential to the Bulls’ roster. Barrett, in particular, has shown flashes of becoming a future star player in the NBA. Quickley’s scoring ability and versatility also make him a promising young talent. This trade would align with the Bulls’ desire to build a competitive team for the long term, with these young players and the first-round pick potentially forming a core for the future.
More Playmaking In A Gamble Trade
James Harden is developing a reputation for being a locker-room killer but there is no doubt the reigning assist leader can contribute to any roster that is looking to reach another level offensively.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick
James Harden’s arrival would instantly provide a significant offensive boost to the Knicks, addressing their longstanding scoring woes. As one of the NBA’s premier scorers and playmakers, Harden’s ability to create his own shot, distribute the ball, and navigate high-pressure situations could be a game-changer. He posted 21.0 points and 10.7 assists per game last season and can hover around these averages again alongside Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson.
Furthermore, pairing Harden with Julius Randle would create a dynamic one-two punch, making the Knicks a more challenging team to defend. Harden’s experience in deep playoff runs could also enhance the team’s postseason chances even if has not performed in big games. The more All-Stars a team has the better, and the Knicks need a Big Three to compete for a championship.
From the perspective of the Philadelphia 76ers, the proposed trade presents an opportunity to make a strategic move that aligns with their long-term vision. Acquiring Barrett and Quickley, two promising young talents, would bolster the Sixers’ youth movement and provide them with valuable assets for the future alongside stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
An All-Star Swingman Who Can Primarily Score
The New Orleans Pelicans could be sellers this summer and the Knicks should first target Brandon Ingram, one of the better swingman talents in the entire NBA right now. The move will improve the team in both the short and long term.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick
Brandon Ingram would inject a versatile scoring forward into the Knicks’ lineup. Ingram’s combination of size, scoring ability, and athleticism makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor as a 26-year-old offensive star. His ability to create shots, stretch the floor with three-point shooting (39.0% in 2023), and contribute in various facets of the game including playmaking aligns with the Knicks’ need for offensive firepower.
Pairing Ingram with Julius Randle could create a dynamic frontcourt duo, adding a layer of versatility to the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. The swingman averaged 24.7 points per game last season and he will be able to hover around that average in 2024 when he has an excellent floor general in Brunson feeding him the ball.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans start re-shaping the roster and bring back a young and improving RJ Barrett and a 24-year-old Immanuel Quickley to shore up the depth. No doubt, the two first-round picks would mean the most to a franchise that is constantly dealing with Zion Williamson’s lack of motivation to be on the court for them and the franchise can solidify their future with this trade.
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 while having an iconic 71-point performance which is the franchise high in Cleveland. He has been linked consistently to New York and it is time for him to play for the Knicks.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick
Since the Knicks are trying to push for a Finals appearance, acquiring Donovan Mitchell would be a significant coup. Mitchell is a dynamic, All-Star-caliber guard known for his scoring ability, versatility, and clutch performances. His presence would provide an immediate boost to the Knicks’ backcourt, addressing their scoring deficiencies and making them a more competitive team in the Eastern Conference.
Pairing Mitchell with Randle and Brunson would create a formidable Big Three that can last at least five seasons at a high level. Mitchell’s ability to create his own shot, excel in isolation situations, and make plays for his teammates would not only elevate the Knicks’ offense but also make them a more competitive force in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers add a 23-year-old RJ Barrett to a young core featuring Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. This core can grow together for the next decade as not one of them is 26 years old yet and there could be a very bright future coming in Cleveland.
Adding A Sharpshooting Big Man
The New York Knicks have done very well with Julius Randle as the star player but perhaps they might need to go in a different direction with a more skilled shooter at the power forward or center position in a blockbuster deal.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick
Karl-Anthony Towns is a dynamic and highly skilled center in the prime of his career. His addition to the Knicks would immediately transform their frontcourt, providing them with a dominant interior presence and a versatile scoring threat. Towns is renowned for his scoring ability both inside and outside the paint, his proficiency in rebounding, and his shot-blocking prowess.
His presence alongside other talented players like Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett and potentially more acquisitions would significantly bolster the Knicks’ competitiveness, particularly on the offensive end.
Additionally, Towns’ versatility on both ends of the floor would make him an ideal complement to the team’s existing roster. His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting (career 39.5%), defend the rim, and contribute as a playmaker aligns with the modern style of play in the NBA.
Pairing Towns with Barrett could create a dynamic inside-outside combination, making the Knicks a more versatile and challenging team to defend. The Knicks must make a blockbuster move to get to another level and the Minnesota Timberwolves could be willing to give Anthony Edwards a new running buddy for the long-term. The first-round pick adds to their stash and Immanuel Quickley provides immediate offense in the starting lineup or off the bench.
Finally Acquiring Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson is a name that has been linked to the New York Knicks since he arrived in the NBA because the spectacular and explosive power forward belongs on the court in Madison Square Garden. Let’s see how this deal could go through.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick, 2025 Knicks First-Round Pick
Despite the injury history and constant criticism, Zion Williamson is a generational talent known for his extraordinary athleticism, scoring ability, and potential to become a transcendent player in the league. His arrival in New York would undoubtedly capture the imagination of fans and signal a new era for the franchise.
His unique skill set, which includes his ability to dominate in the paint, finish at the rim, and contribute on both ends of the floor, would provide an immediate and dynamic boost to the Knicks. In only three seasons of play, Williamson has made two All-Star Teams and made the All-Rookie Team. The future is tremendously bright for the 2019 No. 1 overall pick.
Pairing Williamson with existing talents like Jalen Brunson and potentially other acquisitions would create a compelling core for the Knicks’ future success. His versatility and capability to impact games in multiple ways make him a player around whom the team can build and contend for championships in the years to come.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans rebuild with young players and first-round picks. New Orleans has been waiting for Williamson to come back healthy for too long and the damaging effect it could have on team chemistry is concerning. It is clear Zion is not motivated to keep in great shape in New Orleans and a change of scenery suits both parties. The time could be up for the former Duke superstar with regards to the Pelicans franchise.
New York Breaks The Bank For Dame
Damian Lillard is the best player currently on the trading block after the superstar player made it clear that he does not want to be a part of a rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers squad. As one of the most iconic franchises in the NBA, the Knicks can use their leverage to bring a top-two point guard in the game to their team.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Mitchell Robinson, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick
The New York Knicks have been in a contending phase for at least two years now, and they are in need of a superstar player to lead their team to success. After making the second round of the playoffs, the Knicks did not have enough to make the Conference Finals. In a nutshell, Damian Lillard is one of the best point guards in the league, and he would be a perfect fit for the Knicks.
Firstly, Lillard is a proven winner. He has led the Portland Trail Blazers to the playoffs in eight seasons, and he has consistently performed at a high level in the postseason despite the team’s lack of success. Lillard’s leadership and experience could help them break that streak. The point guard is also a dynamic scorer. He has averaged over 20 points per game in each of the last 10 seasons, and he has a career average of 25.2 PPG.
Lillard is a great fit for the Knicks’ culture. He is a hard worker and a team player, and he has a reputation for being a great leader both on and off the court. The Knicks have been focused on building a strong team culture in recent years, and Lillard’s presence could help them continue to develop that culture. The partnership alongside All-Star Julius Randle would also make the Knicks a formidable side with the starting lineup becoming Jalen Brunson, Damian Lillard, Josh Hart, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers blow up their roster and add two young players and two valuable first-round picks for the future. A long-term core of potential Rookie of the Year candidate Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley could be very interesting down the line. Lillard might not go to Miami after all and joining the Knicks in New York could be in the cards.
A Blockbuster Move For League’s MVP
No doubt, the largest blockbuster move the New York Knicks could entertain would be bringing reigning MVP Joel Embiid to the roster featuring Jalen Brunson. In order to pry a top-five player in the world, a massive package would have to be offered and it could do the Knicks well in the Eastern Conference.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick
The acquisition of Joel Embiid by the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and a 2024 first-round pick represents a transformative move for the franchise. Embiid, one of the NBA’s greatest centers over the last decade, brings a unique blend of size, skill, and dominance to the Knicks’ frontcourt.
His scoring ability in the post and mid-range, shot-blocking prowess, and rebounding acumen would instantly elevate the team’s competitiveness. Pairing Embiid with Jalen Brunson in New York creates an intriguing and potentially formidable duo.
Embiid’s presence in the paint and ability to draw double teams would open up scoring opportunities for his teammates, including Brunson, who is known for his playmaking and perimeter shooting. This dynamic pairing could provide the Knicks with a powerful inside-outside game that is essential for success in the modern NBA.
The decision represents a pivotal moment in the team’s efforts to build a competitive roster capable of contending for an NBA championship because there is no doubt Embiid is better than Randle as he has had back-to-back seasons posting at least 30 points per game and winning scoring titles.
For the 76ers, perhaps the James Harden drama could force Embiid’s hand to not deal with trouble in Philly anymore and a chance to play in Madison Square Garden could be a prospect he can’t refuse.
