Early Knicks Offseason Preview: Trade Targets & Draft Picks

23/05/2024

With the New York Knicks out of contention and already looking at what’s ahead of them, starting with the draft at the end of June followed by a pivotal free agency, it’s time to start getting a better idea of what the franchise will need to accomplish during the next few weeks and months.

We took a deep look at all Knicks players entering free agency yesterday, along with the potential extensions Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle can sign this summer.

Today, it’s time to explore the trade market and potential targets the Knicks’ brass might explore as they keep hunting for that proverbial “superstar” we’re tired of hearing about. And New York seems to be locked into landing such a player.

Fred Katz of The Athletic reported on Monday, May 20, that the Knicks are “still targeting the upcoming summer as the time to trade for the next big name.” Katz reported that the Knicks “will search for the next great player,” although he made clear the franchise “will hope not to disrupt the culture that helped most of their roster to career years and encouraged the players to keep swinging, even as if they couldn’t feel their arms.”

As Katz himself wrote, “It’s not clear who that star will be.” Even the Knicks do not know the name yet, Katz thinks the Knicks “are counting on one universal truth: In the NBA, someone unexpected always becomes available. Karl-Anthony Towns, Paul George on an opt-in-and-trade, the Miami Heat breaking it down, Donovan Mitchell again, the Phoenix Suns retooling — whatever happens, the Knicks plan to inject themselves into the conversation.”

Here are a few names to track closely in case they pop up in the trade mill without prior notice.

Guard — Donovan Mitchell (CLE)

Mitchell’s future is and will be a hot topic unless/until he signs a long-term extension with the Cavaliers. The Knicks, who luckily missed out on him in 2022, would need to consider his fit with Jalen Brunson if they decide to pull the trigger this time out, especially given the reported issues alongside Darius Garland (who could demand a trade if Mitchell extends his deal) in Cleveland. Is Mitchell good? Yes. Does he fit the Knicks/Brunson? Debatable.

Guard — Devin Booker (PHX)

Booker has long been linked to the Knicks due to his connections with Kentucky and CAA, for whatever that’s worth. Despite Phoenix’s disappointing season, trading him would be a true shock in the industry, let alone with a new coach coming to town and Book being under contract until 2028. Never say never, though.

Wing — Paul George (LAC)

George’s contract situation with the Clippers has sparked trade rumors but he’s expected to re-sign with the franchisees as they move to their own venue once and for all. He could become a free agent if he declines his $49 million player option, or be traded if he opts in, which is the only way New York could land him. He would slide smoothly on the Knicks wing, but the age and the contract he’ll demand are probably just too much.

Wing — Brandon Ingram (NOLA)

Ingram might be on the trade block as the Pelicans look to shake things up after another underwhelming season, with confirmation of future transactions to retool the team coming straight from the franchise’s GM after crashing out of the playoffs. I’m personally a sucker for BI, so I’d at least do due diligence and consider his addition. He’s just 26 and comes with some room for improvement once he gets the Thibs System injected into his brain. The injury history and some inconsistencies would need to be considered. Preternatural boom/bust proposition.

Wing — Kevin Durant (PHX)

️ Spicy.

Wing — Mikal Bridges (BKN)

Bridges would be a great fit for the Knicks and most probably the best-case scenario for a New York’s front office trying to pull off the final move before making the Finals and bagging a chip. Now, go check that thing I wrote next to his name: BKN, aka Brooklyn, aka nottradingourfranchisetotheknicks. Perhaps the Knicks can still find a third team to bridge a move to Manhattan. A man can dream!

Big — Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN)

Probable departure if only because the Wolves are going to be utterly crushed by the NBA and the luxury tax rules, which I’m not an expert about but look ominous for the franchise going forward. To Leon Rose: Don’t do it, it’s a trap! Ask for Ant, though, just in case.

Big — Joel Embiid (PHI)

Once a dream, not anymore. Embiid would have been a prime target two or three years ago, but the Knicks shouldn’t bet on a man who could barely walk on the first-round series against the Sixers just a few weeks ago. He won’t force a trade out of Philly either, and the Sixers are expected to go hunting this summer to build a Subpar 3 with JoJo and Maxey as their already-in-tow pieces, so it’s hard to see this happening.

Knicks Draft Picks (2024-25)

The Knicks have their own first-round pick for the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, as well as three other protected, first-round picks acquired in past trades.

Those three extra picks belong to the Mavericks, the Pistons, and the Wizards. After the draft lotery held earlier in May, and with Dallas advancing through the playoffs, the Knicks will only have the No. 24 (DAL) and No. 25 (NYK) picks through the first round this year.

On top of that, the Knicks will also have a second-round selection via Utah, the No. 38 overall (as it’s better positioned than Cleveland’s No. 50 overall pick, also in possession of the Knicks in case it had ended up higher).

The Knicks still have their own 2025 first-round pick, as well as the first-rounder of the Bucks with a top-4 protection and two second-round picks belonging to Brooklyn and Detroit.

Considering how New York has operated under the Leon Rose regime and with Tom Thibodeau at the head coach position, it’s fair to assume the Knicks will try to flip this year’s (and future) draft picks for already developed players whether that's to take on rotational roles or to pursue one of the big players that might pop up and become available in a trade.