New York Knicks Critical Off-Season Begins Now
The Knicks overperformed this season by making it to game seven in the second round of the playoffs, only to have injuries derail their chances of making the Eastern Conference Finals. Can this overperformance lead to sustained success in the future? Was it a one-year wonder? Will adding in the offseason be the thing that brings them closer to the finals?
The Knicks traded for OG Anunoby at the trade deadline this past season, and it winded up being a great move for the team, as they were 20-3 when Anunoby was on the floor. The problem heading into the offseason is that Anunoby is now a free agent, and is going to want a lot of money, is he worth it? One could argue because of the record yes, but can you win a championship with OG Anunoby as the third best player on the team? Do the Knicks know this answer with their current reported contract offer?
The Knicks will be in the market for a big-time power forward and another shot creator who can relieve Jalen Brunson of some stress offensively. The Knicks have seven unprotected first round picks, four future protected first round picks, and eight second round picks so if they want to make a splash, they are in as good of shape as anyone to make one.
A player that could be linked to the Knicks throughout the summer could be Kevin Durant. Durant, 35, is coming off a first-round sweep in the playoffs and is on a Phoenix Suns team that lacks talent outside of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. A trade for Durant would make sense for all three parties involved. Kevin Durant would be on a much better basketball team improving his chances at winning another ring before he retires. The Suns could replenish some of the draft picks that they gave up in the trade to get Durant and start a full on rebuild. As for the Knicks they would be adding one of the premier players in the league, even at 35, to an already established team. If the package offered for Durant from the Knicks was Randle and two first round picks, it would be hard to imagine either team having an issue with this deal.
Outside of Durant, the Knicks can also look to make a massive trade with the Los Angeles Lakers and bring in one of the premier big men in basketball, Anthony Davis. Davis would bring balance and elite defense to the Knicks, adding onto what was already a great defensive team. Davis would without a doubt make the Knicks contenders next year with or without the re-signing of OG Anunoby.
There are a few big moves the Knicks can make and they should be looking to make one. If they can add a superstar to this core, they are potentially as good as anyone in basketball. Keeping this core together should be the priority and moving Randle as the main piece in a trade package for a superstar, who fits the teams needs better, should be the Knicks number one priority this offseason.
