If the New York Knicks want to make the postseason this year, they will need to change something.
The simple truth is that the Knicks are not playing nearly as well as they should be nor nearly as well as they once did.
Due to lineup changes and a few players being off their game, New York currently stands at 12th in the East with a record of 12-16.
How can they course-correct and fix what’s wrong before time runs out?
With a few daring, risky trades, the Knicks can be back toward the top of the Eastern Conference.
3. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers might have a sour attitude at times but he is still a terrific defensive player when he wants to be.
Ben Simmons open-court defense on Luka Doncic. pic.twitter.com/yfbi9pUkWx
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) October 5, 2018
If he were traded to the Knicks, he could be reaching his full potential again and it would greatly assist New York.
The Knicks defense has fallen off hard this season and the team needs someone who will help fix that problem – someone like Simmons.
Simmons was very close to being Defensive Player of the Year last season and he would bring that sort of intensity and dominance to the court and would allow the team to space the floor better too.
The Knicks would have to give up a lot for Simmons – likely Evan Fournier, Alec Burks, or even more – but it would be worth it to improve their lacking and embarrassing defensive output.
2. Buddy Hield
The Knicks are run around their star player, Julius Randle, who has the ability to perform well on both sides of the court.
But the big man needs help.
Attaining a young shooter like the Sacramento Kings’ Buddy Hield would go a long way to letting Randle rest a bit and taking some pressure off of him.
Hield is typically a strong three-point shooter (although the wisdom of his shots is sometimes called into question) and he would alleviate some of the weight on Randle’s shoulders – he would also help fellow shooter RJ Barrett when Barrett is having a rough night.
The best news about Hield is that he wouldn’t require a package of big names, the Knicks could get him for fairly cheap.
1. Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray is quickly becoming one of the most impressive young guards in the league.
The San Antonio Spurs player is putting up an average of 18 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.3 assists a game.
Better yet, he is also becoming a team leader for the promising Spurs and has been creating some incredible plays.
Have been impressed with Dejounte Murray's growth as an interior passer this year. Seeing more openings, taking more risks, finding more ways to set up scores: pic.twitter.com/NVzOTjCy8v
— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) November 24, 2021
Additionally, he’s a defensive unit too which means that if the Knicks got him they would receive a man who can shoot, pass, and defend.
What’s not to love there?
Murray would be a steal at nearly any price but the Knicks could possibly get him for a reasonable package that would send the Spurs a few bench players and maybe one Knicks starter.
That would be a fair exchange because there is a good chance that in a few years Murray will be considered one of the best guards in the entire league.
NEXT: 3 Things Wrong With The Knicks
Robert Slavin says
Why would the spurs trade this guy?
Robert Slavin says
How can i read other comments