7 Trades the Knicks Should Consider This Offseason

The New York Knicks' season ended disappointingly with a 4-2 defeat against the Indiana Pacers, a series that not only revealed fundamental weaknesses but also highlighted their potential. The Pacers, true to their name, overwhelmed the Knicks in every match. Although the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, the decision to relieve Tom Thibodeau of his duties indicates that this off-season will be particularly active for the Knicks.

However, enhancing this roster is not a straightforward task. The Knicks' aggressive acquisition of Mikal Bridges, which cost them an astonishing six first-round picks and swap options, has not yielded the anticipated benefits. Despite some late-game defensive efforts against Boston, Bridges’ performance as a scorer has waned, and his expiring contract has further diminished his trade value. With limited draft assets remaining, the Knicks now face a crucial crossroads: whether to trade Karl-Anthony Towns or Josh Hart in order to reshape the roster and rectify the team's deficiencies.

What the Playoffs Exposed

The clash with Indiana illuminated the Knicks' inherent issues on both sides of the court. Defensively, the Pacers relentlessly targeted Brunson and Towns through pick-and-rolls, switches, and isolation plays, which exposed their lack of athleticism and structural discipline. Offensively, the duo devolved into a sequence of isolation plays characterized by a my-turn-your-turn rhythm. While their individual skills might be effective against many opponents, Indiana's fast-paced and aggressive defense completely overwhelmed them.

The Mitchell Robinson Factor

One prominent insight derived from this playoff run is the remarkable performance of Mitchell Robinson, who emerged as a formidable presence on the boards. Without the strategic decision to place Robinson in the starting lineup in favor of Josh Hart, the Knicks might have faced a series elimination in just four or five games. Deploying Robinson as the center while shifting Towns to power forward effectively mitigated the defensive shortcomings experienced with Towns occupying the middle. This move relegated Josh Hart to the bench, and there is a very real possibility that he may never start another playoff game for the Knicks.

Two Paths Forward for New York

It is reasonable to conclude that certain players are irreplaceable assets: Brunson stands as the emotional leader of a franchise yearning for a championship, OG Anunoby contributes invaluable two-way capabilities, and it would be unwise to trade McBride, who is presently on one of the most favorable contracts in the league. Although Bridges has been underwhelming, his departure is also unlikely given the steep price the Knicks paid to acquire him.

Consequently, the Knicks have two viable options: either trade Josh Hart or Karl-Anthony Towns. The team's asset pool is nearly depleted, with the only assets of significant value being first-round swap options in 2030 and 2032.

The Giannis Pipedream

Giannis Antetokounmpo is poised to be a highly sought-after player if he becomes available via trade this summer. Unfortunately, the Knicks may lack the necessary assets to effectively compete in a bidding war unless Giannis expressly demands a trade to New York. Teams such as Houston and San Antonio could easily outbid the Knicks, even if they were to include Towns along with both future swap options.

Realistic Star Targets

In order to justify parting ways with Towns, the Knicks would need to secure a superior star in return to sustain their championship aspirations. Two potential targets seem to fit this requirement:

Anthony Davis: With Dallas winning the Cooper Flagg lottery, the uncertainty surrounding the Luka Dončić trade has dissipated. The Mavericks may contemplate a trade involving Davis in exchange for the younger Towns, whose skill set aligns better with Flagg's timeline while still enabling Dallas to pursue a playoff berth. The Knicks would likely need to involve their 2030 swap to make the deal more enticing, but Davis brings elite defensive capabilities and has demonstrated his value as a championship-caliber second option.

(Trade: Karl-Anthony Towns + 2030 pick swap)

Kawhi Leonard: A champion with proven credentials. Kawhi would enable the Knicks to adopt more traditional lineups while offering perimeter scoring to complement Brunson's style. Leonard's tenure with the Clippers has been marked by disappointment, failing to lead the team to the Finals or secure a championship. Although there have been no official rumors, it is reasonable to speculate that the Clippers’ recent first-round exit might prompt him to seek opportunities elsewhere. He would instantly bolster the Knicks’ defensive strength and could potentially become their primary offensive option. The Knicks might even arrange a trade for him directly involving Towns, without the necessity of adding future picks.

(Trade: Karl-Anthony Towns straight up)

The Josh Hart Alternative

Should the Knicks decide to retain Towns, trading Josh Hart emerges as the most logical course of action. His struggles with shooting and ball dominance make him a challenging fit in a future rotation that prominently features Mitchell Robinson. Regrettably, his compatibility with numerous NBA teams is questionable, and the Knicks may need to sweeten the deal by adding one of their draft swaps to obtain a player of similar impact.

Several potential targets appear to be attractive options:

Malik Monk from Sacramento could offer dynamic offensive creation and off-ball scoring, alleviating pressure from Brunson as the Knicks reimagine their offensive strategy.

(Trade: Josh Hart + 2030 pick swap)

Herb Jones from New Orleans presents elite defensive capabilities that rival, if not surpass, Anunoby's influence, while also providing superior spacing compared to Hart.

(Trade: Josh Hart + 2030 pick swap & 2032 swap protected 1-4)

Marcus Smart boasts championship experience and credentials as the Defensive Player of the Year, despite recently being offloaded by the Washington Wizards.

(Trade: Josh Hart + a second-round pick)

Lonzo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu from Chicago would provide a bolstered defensive presence in the backcourt, coupled with the capability to transition effectively, reminiscent of Indiana's successful formula involving T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard alongside Tyrese Haliburton.

(Trade: Josh Hart straight up.)

Cam Johnson from Brooklyn delivers elite shooting and a more suitable offensive fit, although Knicks fans might be averse to facilitating another trade with their local rivals.

(Trade: Josh Hart + 2030 pick swap)

The Bottom Line

In spite of this playoff disappointment and an unoccupied head coach position, the Knicks find themselves in an enviable position. They have constructed a solid foundation with two legitimate stars and have reached heights not seen in over twenty years. A few peripheral adjustments, coupled with an enhancement in coaching, should propel them into the realm of genuine championship contenders alongside Oklahoma City.