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Well, it hasn't been the start Knicks fans wanted. This team is talented but are currently out of touch and out of place, falling in the Eastern Conference standings, and a shakeup is imminent.
Offloading of Vets
After spending close to $140 million on these trio of vets, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said the Knicks are willing to trade some of their veteran players such as Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier and Alec Burks. With DRose coming back from injury and recently acquired Cam Reddish not getting minutes, it seems inevitable that someone will be moved. Burks has been very solid, and that is unfortunate that he could be moved. The Kemba and Fournier experiment hasn't panned out as anticipated, with small sparks here and there, but constantly below average play. Moving these guys could allow for a talent spark, but who knows if that will happen.
Young talents restricted on the bench
The Knicks made a nice move in acquiring Cam Reddish from the Hawks. Since then, he has played less than 20 minutes. Obi Toppin is seeing an unfortunate minutes dip, and guys like Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes are seeing the same. This quadrant of players are the future of the team, and they need to get into the rotation more. These trades could help spark that surge the team so desperately needs.
Julius Randle on the move?
I am a big believer of Julius Randle, I really am. He came to New York when others wouldn't. He shined last season as an All-Star, but the team and him have both regressed this season. His last ten games have been very hard to watch, averaging 15.7 points on 45.8 percent true shooting and made a quarter of his 3-point attempts. It's an interesting spot right now, because he has what it takes to shine, but is he causing a blockage from other playmakers? Would he take a reduced role?
“I still want to be a part of it. I still want to see this thing through. I still want to be a part of trying to bring a championship to the Knicks." - Julius Randle
His four-year, $117 million contract extension doesn't kick in until next season. Does a contender want to add that to the books?
Trade Deadline Rumors
The Knicks as well as many others have been loosely linked with Ben Simmons, but I think that is a waste of time. There are also talks with New York being interested in Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant and star Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, which is the approach they should consider. Adding a guy like Fox to the rotation would be delightful and exciting, but what is the cost?
The Pacers are also rumored to shake things up, so guys like Sabonis, Turner, and LaVert could be worth the phone call.
The Knicks have also touched base with the Mavericks about Jalen Brunson. Another guard, so not sure where he would fit in, but supposedly he is expected a pay day in free agency this summer. Would the Knicks acquire and then sign? Only if some other money is moved around .