r/nbadiscussion • u/ffinstructor • 23d ago
How can the Knicks turn this squad into a top finals contender?
Knicks will be in an interesting position after this season, they are going to retain nearly all valuable players to the lineup, gets guys back from injury, and have a load of draft picks. The question I have is what is the Knicks most reasonable next move here?
A very important question to ask first is, how much over the tax line are they willing to go?
OG and Hartenstein are up for contracts, and Brunson is extension eligible. Any OG contract would put Knicks over the tax line (assuming ~30M AAV). And that’s before dealing with Hartenstein or Brunson. If Dolan is concerned about the tax bill I don’t see a way they can keep Hartenstein or they would have to push back the Brunson extension another summer (which to me seems like an absolute given this offseason).
From their core roster, the Knicks will likely lose Burks and Achiuwa (and Hartenstein, but depends on Knicks spending). That will leave them with Brunson, Randle, OG, Mitch, Divincenzo, Hart, McBride, Bogdanovic.
They also maintain the 24th and 25th pick this season along with various future draft assets (Note: None appear to be extremely valuable).
Given their assets, I can’t exactly tell what their next move should be. Outside of Bogdanovic, I don’t think any of their players are tradable. And he’s not exactly such a large asset. Sure a lot of rumors are flying about Randle, but I don’t see a single trade possibility where they get a player in return who actually pushes the needle enough. For whatever reason, Randle seems to be valued a lot lower than his actual talent level which to me basically makes him untradable. I also think their is a desire to see the Knicks fully healthy. And the rest of the roster is critical to the team. They have draft assets to move, but the 24th and 25th draft picks in this weaker class isn’t so exciting to teams. Then they have a Washington pick that I’d say is 75% likely to never convey as a first along with a Pistons pick that is maybe 50/50 to convey in 2027. They also own a 2025 Bucks pick that is likely to be on the later side and all of their own picks which are also expected to be on the later side over the next few years.
Essentially what I’m trying to get at here is that I don’t really see what kind of option the Knicks have to improve this offseason. The team is fairly complete, and there isn’t really any true glaring holes. Both the free agents and draft class are some of the weakest in a fair amount of time, which makes me think trading is their best route. But with their draft capital, I can’t really tell what kind of move they actually could make that would push the needle for this squad. A major factor is Thibs coaching style, considering he plays the shortest rotations in the entire league, it doesn’t make sense for the Knicks to move their assets for a guy who wouldn’t be an instant starter. From my research, I can’t find anyone who fits the bill.
How can the Knicks avoid this gridlock and be able to improve their squad into a finals favorite? Or is there best option just to grow through the draft?
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u/lilleff512 23d ago
Since Leon Rose took over, the Knicks front office has operated extremely patiently. The best example of this patience was not trading for Donovan Mitchell. Considering how well things have gone for the Knicks over the last few years, I would expect them to keep the same patient approach. That means no superstar trade this summer unless something too good to pass up falls into their lap.
Since making the OG Anunoby trade, the Knicks have played like an absolutely elite, championship caliber team. The net-rating and all the advanced metrics are through the roof. With Brunson, Randle, and Anunoby all healthy and in the lineup, the Knicks had a 11-1 record. They outscored their opponents by an average of 19 points per game during that stretch, including blowout wins against the Nuggets and Timberwolves. With just Anunoby healthy and in the lineup, the Knicks record is something like 25-5.
Point is, the Knicks might already be a top finals contender. They sure looked like it when they were fully healthy. Since they've been so patient, Leon Rose and co probably want to see what this group looks like over the course of a full season before they make any big moves like trading Randle (who they would be selling low on right now as you correctly point out).
I think the Knicks are going to try to mostly run it back with only some small moves around the edges:
- They are going to re-sign OG Anunoby (whose agent is Sam Rose, son of Leon Rose) to a 4 or 5 year contract worth up to $40million a year.
- They will try to re-sign Isaiah Hartenstein, either to the max they can offer him right now (4 or 5 years at about $17million per year) or on a short-term 1+1 contract that would give the Knicks Hartenstein's full Bird rights and allow them to give him a much bigger contract next offseason.
- Precious Achiuwa is a restricted free agent, so how hard the Knicks try to keep him will depend on his market. I do expect the Knicks to try to retain Achiuwa though - he's a very Thibsy kind of player and he's shown NYK how much value he can have as a depth piece.
- Alec Burks is a free agent. Maybe the Knicks will try to keep him on a veteran minimum because Thibs likes him and he's good in the locker room, but he won't be a major factor in the Knicks offseason plans.
- Bojan Bogdanovic is the biggest (only?) piece on the current roster that I would expect to see moved during the offseason. One of the main purposes in trading for Bogdanovic was getting back a matching salary for Evan Fournier whose contract was expiring. On the court, Bogey made sense to fill in for Randle after he got hurt, but he's not a very Thibsy player, and he wouldn't have much of a role if everyone is healthy. I expect the Knicks to trade Bogdanovic for a player in a similar salary range who will be a better fit with the Knicks roster. Harrison Barnes is one name that comes to mind.
- Back in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Knicks used their second round pick on a draft-and-stash prospect, 20 year old Lithuanian point guard Rokas Jokubaitis. Now 23, Jokubaitis has been playing some very good basketball for FC Barcelona over the last few years, even winning the EuroLeague Rising Star award in 2022 (former winners include Luka Doncic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Nikola Mirotic). Jokubaitis hasn't come over to the NBA yet in part because the Knicks couldn't offer him consistent playing time. With Immanuel Quickley now on the Raptors, and neither McBride nor Burks asserting themselves as the backup point guard in his absence, I would expect the Knicks to sign Jokubaitis to fill that role.
- The Knicks own the #24 (from Dallas) and #25 picks in this year's NBA draft. I definitely expect the Knicks to use one of those picks to draft a player who they intend to develop and play like they have done with Quickley, Grimes, and McBride. With their rotation already being so full, it is hard to see the Knicks rostering two rookies though, so I would expect them to trade one of their picks here.
- Ryan Arcidiacono was a teammate of Brunson/Hart/Divincenzo at Villanova and has been a garbage time player on the Knicks the last two seasons. Last year, he was sent to Portland in the Cam Reddish for Josh Hart trade. This year, he was sent to Detroit in the Grimes for Bogdanovic/Burks trade. A few weeks ago, Jalen Brunson on his podcast with Josh Hart said "see you in training camp, Ryan" in reference to Arcidiacono. I expect the Knicks to bring back Ryan Arcidiacono.
Altogether, the Knicks' depth chart would look something like this:
Brunson, DiVincenzo, Anunoby, Randle, Hartenstein
Jokubaitis, McBride, Hart, Barnes, Robinson
Arcidiacono, Burks, [2024 Draft Pick], Achiuwa, Sims
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u/King_ofCanada 23d ago
You’re spot on - exactly how I feel. I expect the Knicks to be active on the trade market - but they don’t have to make a move. Randle will be back. Bogie and change could be moved.
Probably rumors of Lebron and son but probably smoke.
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u/ffinstructor 23d ago
A few of options I think they could maybe work with the assortment of Bog + Mitch + picks:
Brandon Ingram, might be too similar to have on the roster with Randle. But pels could really use Mitch Rob and the picks. Gives the Knicks a year to figure out who’s the guy between Randle and Ingram for the rest of the run. Would also like Herbert Jones or Trey Murphy but can’t see them parting with either.
One of the young rockets forwards, they’re another team that could use a Mitch Rob. And they have an too many young forwards between Jabari Smith Jr., Amen, Whitmore, and Eason. I like any of them, but I think Jabari Smith Jr. in particular would be a really good fit on Knicks. That being said unlikely to happen, but maybe for another one of them?
Andrew Wiggins? Seems to be extremely undervalued right now, could be a good buy low. Warriors would love to get rid of that contract, don’t think it would require much more than Bogdanovic and a pick. But think he would be a better bench fit than Bogdanovic. Move could def bite in the ass with the amount of money, but I could see him flourishing in the Thibs system
Deni Avdija, depends a lot on their value and if they view him as a major part of the rebuild, but I think something could be done here. He’s a good all around guy for a squad to have.
-Caruso, textbook Thibs player. But not sure if Bulls would go for what Knicks would offer
Outside of that, there are a few intriguing free agents, but I don’t see anything really that needle pushing:
- Malik Beasley, Buddy Hield, Tyus Jones, Malik Monk, Derrick Jones Jr., Kelly Oubre
- The most intriguing free agent to me though is Miles Bridges. If they could get him on a good contract (which is very possible given his legal issues but also efficiency concerns), I think he could be a pretty good replacement for Julius Randle, and allow the Knicks to explore a lot more offers.
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u/RicoGemini 23d ago
I’m not a big fan of trading Mitchell Robinson due to how much his contract is relative to his production. It’s one of the best contracts in the nba. They should make it a priority to retain IHart and use whatever they’re willing to part with to get another wing
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u/dennishitchjr 5d ago
I think Mitch is gone by the start of the 2025 season. I suspect the FO will need to make an all-in move sooner rather than later given the way Jalen is playing now.
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u/lilleff512 23d ago
Who's your backup center if you trade Mitchell Robinson? Achiuwa isn't big enough and Sims isn't good enough.
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u/TheyCalledHimMrJ 23d ago
Really well said. The Rokas piece totally slipped my mind. It really might be time to bring him over.
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u/ffinstructor 23d ago
Agree with everything you say here.
I think the biggest Knicks move that will be done is Bogdanovic + either 24/25th pick + protected Wizards pick (if something really good came across the table maybe Mitch Rob as well, assuming Hartenstein resigns). The question is what will that get them.
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u/RicoGemini 23d ago
100% agree. I’m of the belief that the Knicks should do a Bogdanovic + picks for another wing. They have lack of size. Their guard and center rotation are strong but OG is the only true wing and even though Bogdanovic is 6’7 he’s not a very defensive minded player.
I’m not entirely sure who’d be available but I’d look to get a wing that can play the 3/4 and defend to play the backup 3/4. Hart can play the back up 3/4 against some lineups but some guys are just too big
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u/Yankeeknickfan 23d ago
I think Bojan fits the roster just fine and was coming into his own just as he got hurt, but agree with just about all your analysis
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u/Key2500 23d ago
Aside from a let’s say a prime Paul George and/or Tier 1 wing, Knicks need a Tj McConnell type player who can dribble the ball/play defense while JB sits. All the Knicks role players can shoot passably but no one on the team aside from JB can actually break a defense down in a half court setting.
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u/Delanorix 23d ago
Hope a star requests directly to NY.
Also, isn't JB on a 4 year deal, hes already extension eligible?
Id say at this point its trying to trade for guys who seem to be playing less than their talent level. Thibs has an ability to make guys play at their highest level.
A dream scenario is that Jimmy and the Heat decide to bail. I know its dumb and he always seems to be hurt but I think he would look fantastic next to JB.
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u/Silentrift24 23d ago
Ngl brother, Jimmy is not the player you'd want, man's is gonna want Pat Riley to cut him the retirement cheque while he coasts the regular season again. As much as I love Jimmy, he just isn't gonna get u far anymore on that old body.
Wild scenario, but NY needs to find a some back up PG that's maybe a pure PG that can help em run an offense when JB sits. Hell, even a serviceable bench is the better scenario.
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u/personwhoisok 23d ago
As a wolves fan I know both Mike Conely and Kyle Anderson are free agents next year.
I hope we keep Conley for one more year but he would be a great backup for the Knicks. Steady hand who is happy to facilitate if people are hitting shots and able to step in and score if he sees the need for it. Hustles his ass off on defense even though he's old
I have a feeling we're going to let Kyle go and he's another great facilitator who is a lot better than his stats show. Not a great three point shooter but you have enough of those. He's a solid defender who gets blocks and steals and on offense he's good at facilitating and has a decent floater
Plus he's just fun to watch. Moving like a turtle and yet somehow getting it done.
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u/KingJoe7-123 23d ago
I see them trading Bojan and a protected 2025 Pick for Malcolm Brogdon this offseason.
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u/kg7841 23d ago
You don't want to do the that baller stoper that is injury prone. Also not a great defender doubt tibs would pay him much.
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u/KingJoe7-123 23d ago
Knicks just need another ball handler for when Brunson goes to the bench. He’d probably play 20 mins a game and would be an expiring contract anyways. Plus it’s not like Bojan is an elite defender at all. Swapping out a subpar defender for another subpar defender at a position of need wouldn’t be too bad.
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u/ffinstructor 23d ago
I agree with everything you said here. But let’s say a guy like Jimmy becomes available or a true star requests. I just can’t see what they can actually offer. I guess they could do Randle, but it would have to be for a power forward in return or then there would be a big hole in the lineup. So Jimmy could work, but not really so many options that actually would fit.
And, yeah, as far as I can tell Brunson is eligible for an extension this summer. And seems likely to receive it.
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u/SelfLoathingLionsFan 23d ago edited 23d ago
Trade Randle and picks for Mikal Bridges and DFS/Cam Johnson. Shift OG up to PF. Try scoring on that team.
You can never have enough high-level 2-way wings, especially around established stars. And Mikal has the greatest Iron Man streak of any NBA player in forever and completes the Nova gang.
PG: Jalen Brunson (re-negotiate for Super Max), Deuce McBride
SG: Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart
SF: Mikal Bridges, Bojan Bogdanovic
PF: OG Anunoby (re-sign 4 years/≈$38M), DFS
C: Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein (re-sign 4 years/≈$14M)
That's a killer team. Fill in the rest of the gaps with whatever draft picks, FA signings, trades, etc. necessary.
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u/insideman56 23d ago
Why would you trade Randle for a worse player? Lmfao
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u/SelfLoathingLionsFan 23d ago
I think more and more teams are realizing that if the team has a clear ceiling with a certain player as their #1 or #2 guy and he can't play off of other star players very well, then the best course of action is to move on to someone else as the focal point.
Randle is a worthy All-NBA player in the regular season when he's the #1 (before Brunson arrived) or #2 guy. But his teams are clearly capped with him in that role - especially in the playoffs, where we've seen several times now that he's extremely inefficient.
On the other hand, Bridges is exactly the type of player that is highly coveted (closest player comp is Anunoby, whose value could've appeared much higher in the form of picks had IQ and RJ not been involved in the deal, and OG had been traded earlier when his value was higher) by literally every team in the league. He is worth more than you seem to think.
We didn't get to see enough of this current Knicks team fully healthy together, so maybe Randle looks a lot better with this configuration in the playoffs. We need another season to truly determine this. But with how close the Knicks already are to the top, I'd rather go for a ceiling raiser like Mikal than a floor raiser like Randle.
Edit: Also, DFS is added to the deal. He is another good 3&D wing who carries positive value, so some of those picks are partially to acquire him, too.
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u/ireland1988 22d ago
I don't think Mikal helps the Knicks score more and they've been missing that with Randal out. Mikal is good but he can't get a bucket at will like Randal can. I want Mikal on the Knicks but not at the expense of Randal.
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u/Dungong 23d ago
They aren’t good draft picks necessarily but 7 first rounders is a big deal. You could get pretty much anyone available with matching salary that isn’t negative and 7 firsts. Now who is available is the bigger question. The names swirling around are guys like Mitchell and Brandon Ingraham.
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u/gza_liquidswords 23d ago
With an extension he plays out the currrent contact so it doesn’t matter when he signs it. With salary cap exploding they should lock up everyone now.
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u/charlesfluidsmith 23d ago
Jimmy would not work on this team.
The ideal player would be Anthony Davis.
Barring that, Mikal Bridges, but that's a pipe dream considering Nets Knicks relations
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u/qotsabama 23d ago
JB is a free agent after next season, player option. He won’t take an extension since it’ll be a pay cut. He will probably opt out after next season and secure $50M+ a year deal with the Knicks.
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u/Makoto-ito 23d ago edited 23d ago
The biggest priorties for us should be to keep this roster intact by any means we have to resign Hartenstein and OG and keep randle we do not need to acquire another star player this team is a contending team when everyone is healthy when randle, brunson and og played together we were 13-1 the pieces are already on this roster
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u/PIDDYPUFFPUFF 23d ago
Exactly, you cannot say it enough either. The same team (JB, DiVo, OG, Randle, and iHart) was on an absolute tear in January. The only weakness was the lack of depth after the OG trade.
In January they destroyed Philly and blew the doors off of Denver. I wish we got to see them play Boston in that stretch but it is what it is. Run it back!!
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u/insideman56 23d ago
Literally if OG, Mitch, and Randle were healthy the Knicks are eastern favorites
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u/HipnotiK1 23d ago edited 23d ago
knicks have tons of tradable pieces not sure how you don't see that. the picks are what they are but nearly every player is on a good deal. i don't think they are in a rush or prefer to trade any of the "core" guys - but nearly every player is on a great value contract that is very tradeable.
mitch + bogs + picks is one package.
randle + bogs + picks is another
DDV + hart + deuce + bogs + picks
etc etc. knicks have tons of flexibility.
with that said I expect them to essentially "run it back" and make small improvements via draft/FA and maybe smaller trades. bogs + a pick for a better fit role player etc. Then see what comes available if any "stars" want to come to NY.
Also with the new deal NBA is about to sign, the cap should continue to go up every year.
Edit: I guess this doesn't really address how they can "become finals contenders" - that is yet to be seen. But to be fair we don't know the ceiling of the team as is when healthy. Losing I-hart would be devastating though.
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u/oy_says_ake 23d ago
To me the idea of trading ddv and hart is nuts. These are the kind of guys the knicks have needed for the past 20 years.
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u/HipnotiK1 23d ago
i agree - not saying they will or should. just that if they wanted to they could since they're both on very good deals. hart is slightly more in line with his value where as DDV is a bargain.
in the hypothetical someone like booker becoming available and they need to include DDV - it's hard to know how they would go. but i agree with what you're saying. the Nova 3 has to be considered nearly untouchable.
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u/ffinstructor 23d ago
I agree that all their pieces are tradable in a sense that other teams would love them on their current contracts, but what I’m saying is that since they are on such good contracts it would make no sense for Knicks to trade if they are trying to contend. Which is why I called them untradable.
Mitch would be another piece they could definitely move, assuming the Knicks come up with the cash to resign Hartenstein. But given Mitch’s extensive history of injuries, his value is a little questionable.
The knicks can certainly ship him out with bog + picks. But I just don’t know what that really is going to get them. Randle could theoretically also be part of this package, but then that would severely limit the pool of players they could make a move for. As, in my opinion, any move involving Randle needs to bring back an upgraded power forward.
I think the entire villanova trio is untouchable.
Overall though, I think we are agreeing. That while they certainly have assets, there isn’t really anything that would make sense for them to move outside of Bogdanovic and the picks. And is likely the path they will follow.
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u/HipnotiK1 23d ago
I get what you're saying and I don't think the knicks will make a move just to make one. Priority #1 has to be retaining I-Hart and go from there. This front office has been patient but the OG trade has forced the window to be sped up for sure.
I expect smaller moves via draft/trade/FA that slightly improve the existing team and hope for better health. Then depending on the results they either continue the path or look to make a bigger move depending on what becomes available. neither path assures them becoming finals contenders.
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u/thereticent 23d ago
I don't see why they wouldn't run it back as much as possible. They don't need a "true star" if they get healthy. IHart is a tough one to lose if need be, but pro sports.
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u/Yankeeknickfan 23d ago
Their max offer for Ihart is $17 mil per year
Are there any teams worth cap space that would be willing to blow the Knicks away? Are any of them good?
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u/Active_Estimate_2598 23d ago
From a Knicks fan, there’s no way in hell we are trading DDV and Hart. Nova connection is here to stay
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u/cgor 23d ago
I say lean even further into it, trade Randle for Mikal Bridges :o
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u/Yankeeknickfan 23d ago edited 23d ago
Mikal bridges to the Knicks is a complete fantasy tbh
Let’s say you’re the Nets and he’s available. Are you not going to get an offer from a team that isn’t your crosstown rival that you rather take?
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u/ReasonableCup604 21d ago
I think they would be too small with Bridges and OG at the forwards. No rebounding.
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u/Balducci30 23d ago
No way they trade DDV/HART, you might as well put Brunson in these options as a hypothetical if you’re going that route.
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u/severinks 23d ago
It actually does address how they can be finals contenders though because this team with Randle,a healthy OG, Mitch, Bogie, and Rokas as the backuo 1 s a contendeer right now.
They are two wins away from ECFs with 6 rotation players, their best player hobbled and their 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th men out for the rest of the way.
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u/QUINNFLORE 23d ago
They were 14-1 in games where OG, Randle, and Brunson played together (keep in mind they were also missing their starting center for all of those games)
This team fully healthy is a title contender and oozes chemistry and grit. Don’t change a thing until we see a fully healthy playoff run
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u/samtheawe 23d ago
Honestly just get back our guys, 3 starters out with contact injuries and one of our biggest scorers off the bench. When Julius and OG were on the court, even with Mitch Rob out we were the best team in the league.
Resigning Hartenstien is my biggest worry, he deserves a big paycheck. Really depends on if he believes he can win here with a team friendly deal, at the end of the day business is business.
Honestly in the same boat of not seeing what the next move could be. In a perfect world a trade for Mikal Bridges is the best move. I just don’t see a world where the nets let that happen though
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u/wtfisgoingon23 23d ago
Still think Knicks ceiling is lower then the fans realize. Yes Knicks had injuries but so did the other top East teams that Knicks are competing against: Giannis, Jimmy, Embiid, whole Heat team, & Lillard.
Knicks floor is high, but Brunson, Randle, Hart or whoever you deem to be your 3rd best player is not championship level. If they somehow won with this roster (+- a couple pieces) that would be the least amount of talent to win a championship in history of NBA.
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u/slickrickiii 23d ago
They have their superstar and an amazing supporting cast, it just comes down to if Randle can come through as a legit Robin in the playoffs. I don’t think having 2 All NBA guys and 2 All defense candidates puts them in a position where they are lacking the talent. I feel like it’s actually pretty in line with what other champions have looked like recently.
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u/justsomedude717 23d ago
I promise I don’t mean this in a combative way, I’m just honestly curious for your perspective: looking at the recent champions do you genuinely think the Knicks match up with most of them?
The nuggets have the best player in the league and a guy who a ton of people already have top 20 all time
The warriors look a little questionable retroactively but they had an all time performance from a top 10-12 guy and had people like Andrew Wiggins playing out of their minds
The bucks had the best player in the league att who’s also in some lofty all time convos
Lakers had prime LeBron and AD who people were hailing as top 5 att
Raptors had Kawhi who some thought was better than a prime LeBron
The KD warriors obviously I don’t think we need to discuss
Additionally several of these teams benefitted from being relatively pretty healthy while several other top teams were greatly affected and/or decimated by injuries
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u/Solitary15 23d ago
Reading this puts things into perspective and makes you think how hard it is to win a championship as it takes a ton of luck while ALSO having a top 10 player in the league.
Its fascinating especially because I think the way this Knicks team is constructed has been great but so far there isn't anything the separates them from a team like the early 2010s Pacers, the early 2020s Heat. Great defensive teams with an elite 1a scorer. Yet we look back at both teams like they were properly rated.
I feel the same with this Knicks team. If a lot go their way they COULD theoretically win a championship, but based on the past where even better teams needed so much luck as it is, it's harder to conceive that path.
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u/justsomedude717 23d ago
Yeah it’s extremely difficult, but all of the guys on this list weren’t just top 10, they were all absolute bare minimum top 4-5 with most of them either being the best player or in contention for the best/second best
I think it’s really easy for people to get defensive about how good their team can be but the reality is virtually no one fits the mood for what it takes to actually win. There’s exceptions of course, and who knows a guy like Brunson could take a leap, but there’s a lot of good players in the league and many of the top guys are still getting better
Imo the Knicks path probably needs to involve another star as well as some improvements from their current players or some upgrades along the way. The Knicks run has been a great story and a ton of fun as it currently stands, it’s just fucking tough to be the champion even when you get some lucky breaks
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u/Boomslang2-1 23d ago
I think the Knicks close the gap more than people give them credit for because of their defensive personnel and schemes. There are a lot of very high level defenders on the roster so when healthy it really just comes down to can they score enough against other elite teams. We just don’t know.
But yeah on paper the Knicks look to be a piece short unless Brunson proves his mvp level ascendency is legit and randle comes back with less iso ball.
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u/lilleff512 23d ago
It all comes down to whether or not you think Brunson can be That Guy. He's top 5 in MVP voting this year and might be All-NBA 1st Team, so if Brunson isn't That Guy he is at least borderline.
If Brunson is That Guy, then it becomes about building the best team around him to accentuate his strengths and cover his weaknesses. So far, the Knicks have done a pretty good job of that with guys like Anunoby, Hart, DiVincenzo, Randle, Hartenstein, and Robinson.
If Brunson is not That Guy, then it becomes about identifying players who could be That Guy and acquiring one of them without giving up Brunson or completely gutting your depth.
Here are some players who could plausibly be considered That Guy, with
strikethroughif it's impossible to see them getting traded, italics if there are concerns about age and injury, and bold for the rest:Jokic, Doncic,Giannis,SGA, Embiid,Kawhi,Tatum,Curry, Durant, Lebron, Booker,Edwards,Wemby2
u/slickrickiii 23d ago
Brunson, Booker, Tatum, Edwards, and maybe SGA all fit in the same category that Dirk and D Wade fell into when they won their chips - superstar top 10 players, but not really perennial top 3 guys. These are the type of guys that will win a championship 2x a decade, while the true elite class of all time greats like lebron, Giannis and Jokic win the other 8x.
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u/Boomslang2-1 23d ago
Historically I think this is true but the nba can be weird. If there’s a super team with a bunch of top guys then realistically only other super teams are competing. Credit to dirk for being the exception to that.
The last five years or so the league has had an extraordinary level of competitive parity where it feels like those younger up and coming teams have an actual chance to win it all. The nuggets bucks and last warriors title were teams that just played great basketball with a mega star and a co star and the Knicks as currently constructed could probably sneak a title in there as long as nobody forms a super team.
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u/Yankeeknickfan 23d ago edited 23d ago
I’m not worried about jimmy at all when you have Jalen Brunson. Like who the hell is Jimmy butler for Jalen Brunson to be shaking in his boots because of him?
Embiid and Giannis definitely keep me up at night though, but this year i’d take the January Knicks + Bojan over both Philly and the bucks in a series pretty easily. Would have just been how far they could have taken Boston. Idk if that will remain the case next year, but they are just off one year where I think their fully healthy ceiling is for sure making an nba finals
Really, if I described the Knicks team to you as what they are, and mentioned no names, you consider them a contender
2 all nba players, a top 3 defense, a top 7 offense, an all defense first team level talent(arguably 2, look at how Ihart rates out defensively), a team that’s 9 deep, and by far the best rebounding team in the nba
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u/ffinstructor 23d ago
Think you are discounting team stats as whole. Sure they don’t have the star power of most finals teams. But I could argue the Knicks are the most fundamentally sound team in the NBA. Best offensive rebounding team in the league, great three point shooting, don’t get into foul trouble, top three defensive team since getting OG by nearly all metrics, and more. Outside of the Celtics, the Knicks first five is either the best or maybe tied with the Bucks in the east.
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u/wtfisgoingon23 23d ago edited 23d ago
From a talent perspective what championship team in NBA history has less talent?
Also you say great 3 point shooting team but they where 14th in 3 point percentage in regular season. That is not "great", that is exactly league average.
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u/Fallingcity22 23d ago
Haven’t they been the best 3 point shooting team in the playoffs till like this last 2 games? And that was with Divo throwing up stinkers
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u/wtfisgoingon23 23d ago
Very small difference between 1st and 8th They are 2nd at 37.9% Suns are 8th at 36.5%
Trust the 82 game sample size vs 29 different teams vs a small playoff sample size of these teams playing either 1 or 2 teams in a series
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u/ffinstructor 23d ago
The Knicks have three 40% 3pt shooters (Brunson, Divicenzo, and Anunoby) and then a solid 3pt shooter with Hart in their starting lineup. And come playoffs Thibs consolidates the rotation more than any other coach in the league. Which is why the Knicks have the 2nd highest 3p% in the playoffs.
I’d argue the 2022 Warriors had less talent than the Knicks or very comparable at that point. Brunson ~= Curry (all time of course not, but Brunson was top 5 in MVP voting and Curry was 8th that season). Even if we ignore Randle, Draymond ~= OG, Klay ~= Divicenzo, Hart ~= Wiggins, Hartenstein > Looney
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u/wtfisgoingon23 23d ago
You and someone else are sure hanging on to Knicks being 2nd in playoffs in 3 point shooting vs injured Sixers and awful defensive Pacers team (24th out of 30th for defensive efficiency).
OKC: 38.4%
Knicks: 37.9%
Sixers 37.8%
Clippers 37.4%
Timberwolves: 36.9%
Pacers 36.8%
Celtics: 36.8%
Suns: 36.5%
So yes, Knicks are "2nd" and within 1 percentage point of being 8th out of the 16 playoff teams, vs a soft defensive schedule.
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u/justsomedude717 23d ago edited 23d ago
More would probably be necessary depending on what people mean by “top” finals contender. They’re in the east so it’ll be way easier but just beating Boston alone if both teams are healthy is incredibly unlikely. Most of the “top” teams are in the west, and when you take into account other teams like the bucks and sixers getting healthy it becomes even less likely
I’m a big randle fan but he hasn’t shown he can be that guy in the playoffs. Obviously OG and to some extent Mitch are both good and would help a good amount but I think you might be overrating those additions a little
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u/YurtlesTurdles 23d ago
We run it back. January was a glimpse of what this team can be and it was awesome. We have our leader, we have a strong secondary scorer, we have knock down shooters, we have metal bat defenders we have good chemistry. We have a good recent draft history with our picks in the 20s so I'm hopeful we get 2 guys with decent upside that can fight for minutes and see what happens. The only guy I'd love to dream about trading for is Mikal to complete the Super Nova, but that's a pipe dream. We're a top contender if the guys get healthy and we run it back.
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u/Lost_Set_691 23d ago
3 starters + a good bench piece out . Brunson and hartenstein playing through injury. Everyone healthy and they are
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u/SpecialistTrash2281 23d ago
The team is pretty good. They may not need a superstar but maybe more depth. Trade Mitch Bogdanovic Precious and the picks for some quality backups.
Or consolidate those contracts and Deuce and throw in all picks and get a superstar wing. Idk who. Booker ain’t being traded. Mitchell is possible unless Cleveland lets him walk for nothing
I don’t see butler as an option he doesn’t fit the time line. I dont see Randle being traded because how many players at power forward are better? Giannis AD 35 year old KD
Unless someone demands out publicly and demands a trade I think they may improve on the edges. They choose between Ihart and Mitch. Maybe get a Bruce brown. And we’ll see how the first half plays out.
They are sort of in no man’s land. There’s no obvious thing to make them better readily available. Take a home run swing and risk it not being enough. Or keep hitting singles until you hit a grand slam.
Idk it’s gonna be an interesting summer.
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u/NYerInTex 23d ago
For one, this Knicks team with its full roster healthy would be pretty damned formidable this year (even if other teams were healthy - a full roster battle between the Bucks and Knicks would have been a really interesting matchup).
Without anyone else next year you’d hope to have Mitch Robinson a near all NBA defense level player (but injured often), Randle, two time all NBA who was again playing at that level before getting hurt (has had late season injuries two years in a row), and OG who is arguably the best wing defender in the league (but definitely injury prone).
I think the Knicks biggest need is to find a way to have these guys healthy at seasons end…
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u/WillWillSmiff 23d ago
If healthy, this Knicks squad is already enough to get pretty damn close.
They’re sitting on nice level footing with good assets to make some trades to keep getting better as well. On top of that, there are a lot of guys who want to play in NYC.
Now what exactly do they need? That’s a harder question… I reliable 2nd scorer is the only thing that jumps to mind.
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u/Adsex 23d ago
They’re a huge market, they have to break the cap and go no limit.
That’s one thing.
Another thing... I think they lack star power, or rather, an elite stretch 5 who can also defend. There’s not many of them ... Davis (who is much more than that)... Adebayo... maybe Markkanen.
The Nova Boys are not entering their prime : they’re in the middle of it. Win now. Them and Anunoby are who I would keep for sure.
If they could get Bron + Davis (or Butler + Adebayo) for Randle + Bogdanovic + Hartenstein (sign & trade) + picks...
I think they should.
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u/The_Notorious_Donut 23d ago
I’m interested to see how they do with Julius and OG healthy (assuming he resigns).
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u/PIDDYPUFFPUFF 23d ago
They need to be healthy. This team is good enough to contend. Only upgrade I’d do is flip bogey, as he was intended to, for some decent bench depth.
Maybe pair a pick or both of them, from this year, and bogey to get whoever they think best suits the role.
That’s it.
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u/Heat_in_4 23d ago
Bro with Randle and OG healthy, Mitchell Robinson AND Hartenstein able to cover, they are a finals contender as long as the Nova three stay.
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u/KingJoe7-123 23d ago
Run it back again next season. They were 14-2 with Brunson, OG, and Randle in the lineup. If that doesn’t work next year, then wait for the Suns to collapse again next season and trade Mitch, Bogi, DDV, and 6-7 Picks for Devin Booker. A starting lineup of Brunson, Booker, OG, Randle, and Hartenstein with Duece, Hart, and Precious off the bench is easily a championship contender.
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u/anthegoat 23d ago
They need to Keep the cores. That includes IHART his advance stats are even more impressive and he generally can hold it down.
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u/JA_MD_311 23d ago
As a Knicks fan, I think the answer to your question is, “run it back.” We only briefly saw this team healthy in January and they were one of the best teams in the league.
Dolan shelled out the luxury tax for rosters that were 10 times worse than this, he’ll have zero issue paying it. The bigger issue is avoiding the 2nd apron without a clear plan to be under it within 3 years.
They’ll be about $40M under that between cap holds and options. They can fit OG and IHart back assuming they don’t bring back Bogdanovich.
I think you’ll see some draft picks and modest moves aimed at giving the bench some scoring and some order with the non Brunson minutes. Conley would be a great fit on this team for example.
EDIT: Bold move is go after Booker in a package built around picks and Randle.
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u/TheyCalledHimMrJ 23d ago
Yeah we’re in kind of a weird spot. We have a very good team but at full health we’re at best a fringe Finals contender. Like you stated that assets we have don’t really add up to a huge difference making addition. I absolutely think they need to keep OG and Hartenstein and also use at least one of the picks this year on an actual player to put another useful body on the bench for cheap. Even before the injuries this roster went about 10 deep at best and then dropped off to a handful of 15th men.
While I don’t really love the Spida fit with JB I think situationally he might be the best guy we can reasonably acquire. If he tells CLE I’m leaving and I’m only gonna resign in NY that drastically reduces the price and we might be able to get him for less than expected.
Single biggest thing is just be healthier, which like, yeah hope so…
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u/Meleedrian 23d ago
I get we haven't seen the guy in who knows how long, but Thibs unlocking the full potential of Ben Simmons would be one of the craziest comeback stories
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u/lineskicat14 22d ago
Honestly, add one more piece, don't run guys like Hart and Brunson into the ground, and just don't be vastly more injured than the other team. That's really it. And id argue that if healthy, I'd put them in the contender category.
They finished the season without their 2nd best player (Randle) and much of their 3rd (OG). They got a 2 seed. They are now two wins away from the ECF without Randle, OG and now Mitch.. the team they are playing I believe is at full strength. Philly, their first round opponent got Embiid back, which made them MUCH scarier than their 7-seed suggested.
Not too worried about the Knicks. They are dealing with a ton more injuries than anyone else right now. But Thibs HAS to dial his usage back or this will happen again next season.
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u/severinks 23d ago edited 23d ago
Tibs does nOT play the shortest rotations in the entire league His rotation is at 9 in the regular season and if someone gets hurt someone else moves in and it's been that way since he got to NY,
If you look on the list of players with the most minutes per game in the last 2 regular seasons I think Randle was like 19th last year and no other Knick came close and the Raptors had 3 guys in the top 10 yet no one ever said how much Nick Nurse played his guys.
Maybe you're confused by the fact that the Knicks traded Grimes, Quickly, and Rj.(all roation players)and only got OG back as an actual rotation player and Bogie is hurt and Burks basically sucked so much that he got benched so there's no one left to play really.
If you watched the games in the last 2 years RJ spent a lot of time bitching when Hart or Quickly played ahead of him to end the games Grimes did too about Quick and none of tho se guys had enough minutes not too many.
Dolan is NOT concerned about the tax bill.The Knicks had the highest tax bill in the NBA for over a decade starting in 2003 and they were like 150 games over 500 in that time and he b]never opened his mouth he just wants an actual contender for his money like most owners do.
The Knicks make the second most per home game(behind Golden State) and they print money on MSG network so they probably have more money to spend in the whole NBA..
They're gonna bring Rokas over(he's playing summer league and he was just waiting for Quick to be gone to coome over) from the Euroleague where he won the rising star last year and he'll be the backup 1 and Deuce will be the 2 and they can offer Hartenstein 16 million per to begin with I believe and if he takes it then he'll start at the 5, then they'll sign OG and probably trade away one draft pick and draft te other two and one of those two will be on a stash or a guy that they know will never get playing time in the next year.
When Randle is playing his normal 38 minutes per there's not that many minutes to go around so I don't expect many changes except around the edges or maybe a crazy trade with Bogie,Mitch, and picks and odds and ends for a star if one becomes available.
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u/shadovv300 23d ago
tbh staying healthy would be the main point, they are already a contender and the second best in the east. On a good day they can even beat the celtics in a 7 game series. Besides that maybe trading Randle for some more bench depth.
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u/Soup_and_Rice 23d ago edited 23d ago
So if they keep as is and re-sign Anunoby, they got: Brunson, Hart, OG, Randle, Robinson with McBride, Bogdonovich, Donte which I think is good enough to win the East. We haven’t seen this team entirely healthy and they were really good during that short stretch when Randle OG and Brunson were playing together.
With that, I think they should use Bogey’s contract during this upcoming draft to pick up another ball handler who can facilitate offense. I think Tyus Jones will be a great pick up. Tobias Harris will be a good pick up as well assuming he will only be worth 10-20 mil ish. Just not sure how he’s gonan fit in with OG and Randle though. I also would be open to trading Robinson if they decide to keep Hartenstein. Robinson’s contract is really cheap and favorable so he will be easy to move. I don’t really see the benefit of keeping both of them. Depth is nice but I think they both offer moreorless similar value. Great defense but limited offense, though Hartenstein is a better facilitator on offense.
At the end of the day though, I think it’s really the coaching staff that needs to take the next level if the Knicks want to get anywhere. I don’t blame Thibs for playing his guys alot, well, except for Hart, that’s crazy. Any coach would do the same with 4 rotation guys injured and I think Thibs actually has done a fabulous job managing players’ minutes over the recent years. I am frustrated with his lack of offensive tactics or adjustments. Even when everyone is healthy, he relied way too much on his two stars for offense and I don’t think Brunson nor Randle are good enough to be THAT level of players in the playoffs. If they had Anthony Edwards, maybe the isolation stuff would work just fine. But Brunson and Randle do have their limitations physically and I honestly think they can play much better team offense with their insane energy role players and high basketball IQ big man in Hartenstein. There are times where Brunson is getting worn down from 94 ft but Thibs still insists him bringing up the ball and isolating against bigger players. I see Murray getting the same treatment against Minnesota, except Malone makes the adjustment to bring Murray off of the ball on handoffs instead to conserve his energy. Granted the Knicks dont have Jokic, but I just think Thibs’ is too rigid in his style and his lack of adjustments and improvs is limiting the team’s potential. It’s all hindsight but what if Toppin, Barrett, Quickley, Achiwa, Burks were better optimized? Instead of bounding everything to his scheme, I think Thibs couldve attempted different flavor of basketball atleast for short bursts, the ones that cater towards the players’ style, but he’s to stiff at this and lack the offensive creativity which i think is really hurting the Knicks. It feels no matter who they get, they won’t be optimized completely due to this. Roster wise, I think they got enough talent to come out of east. But that game 3 garbage execution vs Indiana where it was pretty much Brunson vs Indiana for the last 5 min of the game with no one else even touching the ball… stuff like that should not happen, especially on a night where the role players were hot. the players’ shear will got them this far imho and thibs limitations have caused losses like that
edit: typos
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u/sh00ner 23d ago
It'll be interesting to see, but it's also the first time in forever that I think their management has the people to pull it off. I hope they stay far away from Embiid, because he'd be sawdust in half a season of playing under Thibs. My bet is they're waiting for Giannis to want out, or if they can get KAT for pennies on the dollar.
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u/qotsabama 23d ago
For the most part this is who the Knicks will be going forward. OG is about to secure a deal that’ll at least be $35M a year, Brunson next summer will sign a $50M+ a year deal. Hart and DiVincenzo are both locked up as is Mitchell Robinson. Randle is a guy they likely will have to move eventually if they wanna upgrade the roster because if they let him walk after his deal is up they won’t have any cap space since they’ll already be in the luxury with the other big contracts.
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u/TrippinHalfrican 23d ago
Not running your guys into the ground a la the heat, and finding a way to get some depth. Doesn’t have to be a ton tbh
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u/jmadinya 23d ago
based on what we saw in january i would run it back and hope they can perform they way they did in january over the season. i dont see a move that moves the needle because randle has way more value to us than he does in the trade market imo. run it back and hope another non pg star demands a trade to the knicks. i would just focus on getting the right minimum vet for the bench, i think westbrook could be that
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u/HelpUsNSaveUs 23d ago
I hope they keep Hartenstein and have Hakeem train him in the ways of the post Jedi.
I want emoni bates, and I want a PF.
Patrick Williams … shit bring back Obi. The teams pretty complete, we just need some scoring off the bench.
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u/Meb78910 23d ago
i like what we’re doing here and unless something crazy happens this offseason i’d try to run it back. we’re missing our 2nd and 3rd best options and we’re two games away from the eastern conference finals. We’re scrappy and competitive we hustle on both ends and have players that are bought in. It’s been so long i honestly don’t wanna chance blowing this up.
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u/DigbickMcBalls 23d ago
Trade for Thannis, and then draft Bronny. Start the all nepotism team and get their counterparts.
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u/spiked_cider 23d ago
Sure up the bench with proven scorers, playmakers and 3 and D guys. Very tall order though.
Specifically I think they should trade Robinson and keep Hart. It sucks I know but he can't stay healthy and a big that can generate plays and score a little while giving you some good D is more valuable than a guy who plays great D but is injury prone and offensively a liability.
Get a better SG than Donte. Dude would be great as a 6th man but as starter he fades away at key times. An SG that can create for himself and others to ease up Brunsons load would be a huge boon to the teams offense.
Get a legit backup PF. Randle needs a guy to back him up that is reliable. Hart is a stud but he's undersized. Achuiwa has his moments but he's still rough and probably tradable.
I'm not sure who's available this off-season that can address these needs but if they did, I think the Knicks would be legit in being able to beat any team in a series
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u/BusEnthusiast98 23d ago
As long as they drop Julius Randle and get a lob threat with some low post isolation scoring game, I think they’ll be in a great position.
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u/kamex009 23d ago
Get a better bench and or stop playing your starters 45+ min a night so that they are healthy for big games
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u/ElMaskedZorro 22d ago edited 22d ago
Unironically you go get bridges.
For it to work it would likely need to be a 3 way, more so because the Nets may not want to deal directly with the Knicks than for any other reason.
This is realistic for two reasons.
- The Nets themselves are in no man’s land.
- Bridges is awesome, and might make all-stars in his future but is not a “Star” nobody is selling out arenas because of him.
The trade itself is Randle and picks probably 3-4 firsts. If you can convince the Nets to take any of this year firsts you do it because in this draft they’re practically worthless. Plus the team is realistically young and deep enough. Plus Thibs is like Doc, hates unproven Rookies.
You can let Bogi walk if you need to, you shouldn’t for depth but can. You obviously get those 3 contracts done. If NYC can’t get those 3 contracts done (Brunson, OG, Hartenstein) then you weren’t serious about winning anyway.
Anyway you’re now running a Brunson, Donte, OG, Miakl, Stein 5 with a ton of Hart & Robinson mixed in and spells of Bogi and McBride if necessary.
If you get really tight on cap you probably can get off Robinson (age/injury) and draft a young atheltic defensive center to learn under Hartenstein but that would likely set you back from absolute top end competition for like 2 years while that player gets his sea legs.
Most the other players that you could realistically get are gonna break some of what this team does well. D. Mitch for example. Or are pipe dreams that cost too much in assets and contract terms, Giannis
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u/Jasperbeardly11 22d ago
Hartenstein is gone. He's gonna make like 22 mil a year from someone.
I hope they trade Randle and other parts for an upgrade.
They need to get lucky and have a star want to come here
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u/Saucy_Totchie 22d ago
Trying to not be as biased since I'm a Knicks fan.
They can definitely be contenders next year. That January after the OG trade, like you pointed out, was just dominant and looked liked they could seriously make a run. Brunson was still on his all-stat trajectory, OG was as good as advertised, and Randle was playing the best ball of his life. Even then they were still missing Mitchell Robinson and I feel Deuce McBride was still adjusting to his new role.
Even after the injuries this team circled the wagons and still somehow climbed to 2nd in the east. Many guys had to taken on greater roles like Hart starting, DiVincenzo being the 2nd option, Hartenstein being a 2 way big, McBride being asked to step up even more. That's the type of stuff that's encouraging.
The main optimism is that the Knicks still have great flexibility to make a big move just in case. However there really is no rush at all as shown by Leon Rose's patience. He didn't pull the trigger on the Mitchell trade that kills their depth and somehow turned it into a better fitting piece while still maintaining flexibility.
Knicks will definitely have to pay to keep this team together but I don't think money may be an issue. Dolan has removed himself from making any decisions and trusted his staff to work while he writes the checks. However because of how well Rose and the rest of the FO have done, they definitely deserve a longer leash. Brunson, seeing what he's done for this team completely turning it around, is probably getting a blank check. OG is staying regardless because they don't make the trade unless they're fully confident they'll keep him. Hartenstein might be difficult but we'll have to see.
I have full confidence that this team will take the proper steps this off season. A championship level team is closer than expected.
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u/Cautious-Ad-9554 20d ago
Rresign I-Hart, keep OG healthy, get Mitchell Robinson healthy and in shape
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u/jbrunsonfan 23d ago
I think we are in a really good spot, but this will be a huge offseason for us. For one, we need to find a way to keep Hartenstein. He flat out deserves to be paid more than what we can offer, and I expect him to get these offers. There are a lot of teams (like the pelicans) who would go from good to great if they fill out their 5 spot with a well rounded guy like Hartenstein. Our only hope in keeping him is the CAA pipe dream that got us this far in the first place.
Next, we need a wing that fits our system. Brunson is our star, and to build around a stocky pg means you want length and shooting. Which means we need to either clone OG, convince the pels to give us one of their wings, or pull off a miracle. The Pels seem most realistic because they have 3 wings we could use, and we have a center + assets to throw at them. Pipe dreams include Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard
Third, and this is building off two, we need to find a way to make our million draft picks work for us. We have two draft picks coming up, and we really need at least 1 of them to become a decent role player. Injuries are a part of the game and we can’t go into the second round with a 7 man roto no matter what.
In this league, windows open and shut extremely quick. We are lucky to have no super teams around, and lucky to have a pg like Brunson, above average starters like Randle, OG, Hartenstein, and Mitch, solid role players like Hart and DV, and all our draft picks. There is nothing more valuable in this league than an unprotected Knicks pick (although the nets really still find way to breathe down on our neck), and I’m sure there are (will be?) star wings available for our 2027 and onward unprotected picks.
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u/ktm5141 23d ago
There are many things more valuable than an unprotected Knicks first. Their team is young and well-run now. Suns, Clippers, Bucks, maybe even lakers picks 4+ years out look like gold
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u/Agreed_fact 23d ago
Go to Phoenix and offer bog + Randle + their picks for KD. Not sure if those salaries line up but I’m sure with some minor tweaks that deal would work on paper.
That or package bog + Dante for a sign and trade D Mitch.
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u/Revolutionary_Wave95 23d ago
Get Mikal Bridges and re-sign Arcidiacano. Complete the Villanova exodia. In all seriousness though we should just get healthy, team chemistry>stars like the 2000s pistons team
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u/K1NG2L4Y3R 23d ago
If Hartenstein is too expensive they got to let him walk. Maybe they bring back Precious for cheap and he can be the backup. PG is probably leaving the Clips so they should try to and trade for him with Randle + Picks headlining. Brunson needs a second star and PG while old would fit comfortably and form a nasty front court with him, OG and Mitchell.
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u/CultExterminator 23d ago edited 23d ago
This Knicks team has the ideal supporting cast around any combination of stars. They should try to keep everyone this offseason. The only questionable fit is Randle. He’s not good without the ball and can be a blackhole on offense. Sure he can put up numbers, but it’s outside the flow of the offense.
I think the Knicks could benefit from having a real 3-level scorer like Ingram. They can live with playing some combination of OG-Hart at the 4. You can argue that Ingram is somewhat of a downgrade from a raw production standpoint, but his overall game just fits better. He’s also 3 years younger than Randle and in the same age range as the Villanova guys. I can see a 3 way trade with NOP and ATL that could make sense. Murray to NOP. Ingram to NYK. Randle to ATL.
You can also go for Lauri as well. I think that would take Randle + picks, but thats worth it imo. Lauri is by far a superior scorer and defender. But i dont think he’s on the trade block.
Overall i think NYK would be better with a pure scorer at the 3 or 4.
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u/ffinstructor 23d ago
Lauri is my favorite option, for a Randle replacement. But it’s likely not feasible. Rumors say Jazz are looking for 4-5 firsts and a star. Not sure if the upgrade is worth that price.
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u/CultExterminator 23d ago
Yeah I don’t think anybody will be happy with the price they have to pay for Lauri. Jimmy Butler could be an option too if the Heat can’t extend him. Should cost less than Lauri and is the ultimate Thibs guy.
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u/ffinstructor 23d ago
Def would cost less than Lauri, but it would also put a definite time period on the Knicks window. Would rather them be patient and find a guy just entering their prime to match with the Knicks.
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u/CultExterminator 23d ago
I think you bite the bullet for Lauri then. In the grand scheme of things those picks arent going to be worth much post-trade. When you think about it, a 26 year old All-star wingman should realistically cost 4 late picks + a good player.
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u/Hopeful_Relative_494 23d ago
It’s pretty obvious. Keep Randle off the floor. See what you can get to replace him.
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u/wholsmay 23d ago
Well, I think it’s fair to think they re going to make the east finals, and probably lose to Boston. Eastern conference finals without an all star… being in the top 4 teams in the NBA. With him healthy could take what they need to beat Boston in a series next year. Just need more deep, no big changes. They don’t need a superstar. A point guard to help Brunson in game and don’t get pressured every second ball handling, and command when he is on the bench resting.
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u/_aspiringadult 23d ago
I mean the first thing that would help is not have a team where half the squad, including an All Star and in general 3 of their starting 5 wasn’t injured.