The New York Knicks made a significant splash by acquiring OG Anunoby and sending RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto. Yet, their roster makeover might not be complete still, as they could be gearing up for one last, game-changing move before the Trade Deadline. This strategic shift not only reshaped the team dynamics but also left the door open for the Knicks to pursue a final star piece that could propel them to the summit of the Eastern Conference.
Building on our previous analysis with the Los Angeles Lakers, we venture to predict the potential moves the Knicks might make in the remaining part of the season. Each scenario will be assessed in terms of probability, providing a speculative glimpse into the decisions that could shape the Knicks’ destiny in their quest for supremacy in the Eastern Conference.
Zach LaVine Forms A Backcourt Of Dreams With Jalen Brunson
New York Knicks Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Bucks)
Prediction: 80% Chance Of Happening
As the Chicago Bulls embark on a rebuilding phase, inching closer to reshaping their roster entirely, Zach LaVine emerges as a prime candidate for trade. Despite not having a standout season, LaVine’s market value is likely to be lower than in previous years, making him an enticing prospect for the New York Knicks.
The Knicks, in this proposed trade, would offer two first-round picks of relatively lower value, along with Quentin Grimes. Grimes, a 23-year-old player, is discontent with his current role and might welcome a change of scenery. His youth and potential as an elite shooter make him an attractive asset for the Bulls, aligning with their focus on acquiring promising talents for the future.
Zach LaVine, with his scoring prowess, could find a revitalized role in New York’s more functional and organized system. His stats for the current season stand at an impressive 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. On the other hand, Quentin Grimes has showcased his abilities with averages of 6.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and an impressive 36.8% success rate from beyond the arc, making him a valuable addition to the Bulls’ roster.
While the trade is speculative, there is a substantial chance of it materializing, given the Bulls’ rebuilding strategy and the potential benefits for both teams involved. The Knicks could see a resurgence in LaVine’s performance, forming a formidable backcourt duo with Jalen Brunson, while the Bulls secure future assets and a promising young player in Quentin Grimes.
Donovan Mitchell Finally Lands In New York
New York Knicks Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Julius Randle, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Bucks)
Prediction: 60% Chance Of Happening
Donovan Mitchell has been a perennial candidate for a move to the Knicks for several seasons. While a close call in 2022 saw him landing in Cleveland, recent rumors suggest that Mitchell may not be keen on a long-term commitment to the Cavaliers despite their commendable 26-16 record and a solid 5th-place standing in the Eastern Conference. This uncertainty could pave the way for his departure.
With the Knicks currently holding the 4th spot in the East, acquiring Mitchell would bolster their backcourt significantly, pairing him with Jalen Brunson. This move would not only compensate for the offensive contributions of Julius Randle but also elevate Mitchell Robinson’s role as a key roller in the Pick and Roll, shaping a promising future for the team.
Donovan Mitchell, boasting impressive stats of 27.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, would inject a potent scoring threat into the Knicks’ lineup. On the flip side, Julius Randle’s departure comes with notable averages of 24.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists, making it a strategic move for both teams.
While the trade prediction stands at 60%, factors such as Mitchell’s uncertain future in Cleveland and the Knicks’ eagerness to enhance their roster contribute to the likelihood of this high-profile move. If successful, New York would witness the arrival of a dynamic player in Mitchell, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in the team’s quest for success.
The Knicks Can Go For An Expiring Veteran
New York Knicks Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick
Prediction: 40% Chance Of Happening
As the Chicago Bulls contemplate a reconstruction phase, the impending expiration of DeMar DeRozan’s contract at the end of this season places him in a trade spotlight. If the Bulls decide to part ways with their other stars, the likelihood of DeRozan not renewing further adds to the appeal of a potential trade. Similar to the scenario with Zach LaVine, DeRozan’s market value could be relatively low, making Quentin Grimes an enticing asset along with the inclusion of a first-round pick and a second-round pick.
For the New York Knicks, acquiring DeRozan would provide a valuable second scoring option, alleviating some of the offensive burden on Julius Randle. This becomes especially crucial in the postseason, where DeRozan has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure throughout his career.
DeMar DeRozan’s current season averages of 22.1 points, 5.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds underscore his scoring prowess and playmaking ability, making him a valuable addition to any team with playoff aspirations. While the trade prediction stands at 40%, the potential benefits for both teams could make this move an impactful one, offering the Knicks an experienced scorer and the Bulls future assets as they embark on a rebuilding journey.
Mikal Bridges Might Be A Perfect Fit
New York Knicks Receive: Mikal Bridges
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Bucks), 2025 Second-Round Pick
Prediction: 15% Chance Of Happening
The Brooklyn Nets currently find themselves in a gray area — a decent team with role players but lacking a true superstar. Positioned at 11th in the Eastern Conference, they are not strong contenders for the postseason but not weak enough for a top-five draft pick. This dilemma prompts consideration of a complete rebuild, with Mikal Bridges emerging as the potential franchise player for the evolving Nets.
Mikal Bridges, with impressive season averages of 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, could seamlessly integrate into the Knicks’ lineup, providing a well-rounded skill set and a potential long-term solution for the team. While the trade remains speculative, the potential benefits for both sides make it an intriguing possibility, albeit with a modest chance of materializing.
While the likelihood of Brooklyn parting with its best player mid-season is low, the prospect of accumulating significant draft capital might be enticing. Mikal Bridges has showcased himself as a rising star, making him a valuable asset for a team looking towards the future.
The Knicks, in this trade proposal, would offer Evan Fournier and an array of draft picks to bolster their roster with Mikal Bridges. However, the low prediction percentage reflects the reluctance of Brooklyn to trade their star player, especially to a direct city rival.
Kyle Kuzma Could Become a Plausible Option
New York Knicks Receive: Kyle Kuzma
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Bucks)
Prediction: 5% Chance Of Happening
The Washington Wizards find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference amid a dysfunctional reconstruction phase. Kyle Kuzma stands out as their prime asset, and they are likely seeking to move him for multiple draft picks. However, Kuzma’s defensive struggles could make him a less-than-ideal priority for the Knicks.
While Kuzma could bring scoring and shooting prowess to the Knicks’ frontcourt, playing alongside OG Anunoby, his defensive lapses might not align well with New York’s disciplined and organized style of play. Unlike the potential fit with Mikal Bridges, Kuzma’s lack of emphasis on the defensive end may not make him the ideal fit for the team.
Additionally, committing two first-round picks for Kuzma might not be a worthwhile investment for a team that is already established, such as the New York Knicks. The 5% prediction chance reflects the potential hurdles, including defensive concerns and the cost of the trade, that make this scenario less likely to materialize.
A Zion Williamson Trade Is Still A Reach
New York Knicks Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Julius Randle, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2024 First-Round Pick (via Wizards), 2025 First-Round Pick (via Bucks)
Prediction: 1% Chance Of Happening
Since he arrived in the 2019 NBA Draft, Zion Williamson has been a coveted target for the Knicks. However, circumstances prevented them from securing the first overall pick that year. The current season presents a rare opportunity for the Knicks to explore a trade for Zion, as he hasn’t replicated his All-Star performance from the previous year and appears somewhat uncomfortable in the current campaign.
Zion’s statistics for the current season, standing at 21.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, underscore his potential impact on the court. Despite Zion’s potential to become an All-NBA player for multiple seasons, his career has been hindered by various injuries and concerns about his diet and weight. Nevertheless, the Pelicans are unlikely to entertain the idea of trading him at this juncture.
However, the 1% prediction chance reflects the significant hurdles and improbabilities associated with executing such a high-profile trade, given the complexities surrounding Zion’s career and the Pelicans’ likely reluctance to part ways with their prized asset. A realistic chance may only emerge when Zion has one year left on his contract in New Orleans.
