Author: Frank Caggino
For the first time in a long time, the New York Knicks had expectations of being a winning team. That has not been the case, as the Knicks are two games under .500 and have lost to teams they should have beaten. There have been injuries and certain players not performing as well as they did last year. This team can use some upgrades and with the trade deadline right around the corner, the Knicks have to make some changes.
One of the main reasons for the Knicks success last season, was the play of Julius Randle. He was an all-star and the organization rewarded him with a contract extension. Knicks fans were praising Randle’s performance from their homes, since they could not be in attendance at the games. Julius did not play well in the postseason and the hope was it was just one bad series. That has not been the case, as Randle still has not been the same player and is one for the main reasons for the Knicks struggle. What has made the situation worse, is the way Randle has behaved the past month. He gave a thumbs down to the fans and had a harsh response when asked about it. It is clear that he is not a fit in New York, and the Knicks have to move on from him. Fortunately, there is a team that might have some interest in Randle.
Ian Begley from SNY reported that, “Some people with Sacramento were interested with Julius Randle. Maybe there’s something there.” If the Kings do have interest in Randle, they have a player that would fit the Knicks nicely. For over a decade, the Knicks have been in need of a point guard. Sacramento has a young point guard with some talent that they may be looking to move on from. De’Aaron Fox’s name has come up in some potential trade talks, and is someone that can help the Knicks. Fox being 24 years old, would fit in nicely with the rest of this young team. New York has not been able to develop a point guard yet and it is extremely rare for quality young point guards to be available. The only reason Fox is potentially available, is because the Kings have Tyrese Haliburton. Damian Lillard is clearly better than De’Aaron, but Lillard just had abdominal surgery and has not been made available by Portland. Even if he was on the trade market, he will be 32 next season and would not be with the Knicks for a long time. Once an athlete is 32, they only get worse as they get older. Fox would be the better fit and is most likely available. The Knicks have plenty of draft capital and if they can package that with Randle, they might be able to make the team better now and better in the long term.
Other names that have been mentioned in potential trades is Jalen Brunson, Domantas Sabonis, and Myles Turner. Brunson would be a nice fit with his age and being from New Jersey. Sabonis is a solid all-around player, who would likely not be a good fit next to Julius Randle. Turner would fit next to Randle, but the only difference between him and Mitchell Robinson is Turner’s ability to shoot three pointers. This would help the Knicks and particularly, open up the paint for Randle to play closer to the basket where he is more effective. This unfortunately will not be enough to make the Knicks a team that is a perennially playoff contender. Having a good point guard, is similar to having a good quarterback in the NFL. It is extremely important to have a stable point guard and that is why De’Aaron Fox should be the main focus. Especially if the Knicks can move on from Randle in the process, it would be a good fit and the first step to get the New York Knicks on the right track.
SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE
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