Just about a month away from now, the 2023-2024 NBA season will start. As such, teams are busy preparing for training camp in the lead-up to the exhibition games in October. Also, trades and deals get underway.
There are many trade rumors for each team, especially for the New York Knicks. Will they be able to acquire a superstar who can change the team’s fate in the league? Let’s dive into three blockbuster trade ideas for the Knicks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Last summer, Giannis Antetokounmpo caught the eye of every organization in the league when he commented several times that he was open about leaving Milwaukee. The Bucks acknowledged this and have felt the pressure since every other team expressed their desire to see them fail.
If Antetokounmpo becomes available, the Knicks could want him in a trade. So, what would the deal be like? The deal would likely send Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, and RJ Barrett to the Bucks and first-round picks in the NBA Draft in the years 2024, 2025, 2027, and 2030.
That’s a lot for one person! Well, it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. In the follow-up of this massive deal, the New York Knicks would be left with the following key players:
- Donte DiVincenzo
- Josh Hart
- Mitchell Robinson
- Julius Randle
- Jalen Brunson
Currently, the Knicks have the means to make this deal happen. However, it will depend on whether the front office agrees to cash out. If this happens, the New York Knicks odds will be soaring high, and will have the possibility to win the Championship title.
Damian Lillard
On July 1, after the free agency period commenced, Damian Lillard requested a trade. Technically speaking, the Portland Trail Blazers still don’t need to do anything. However, if the Blazers want to officially take the next step and move on from Damian Lillard, they’d need to trade him before October 25, the season opener.
Since Lillard’s very public request, he has clarified that he wants to be traded to the Miami Heat. Because of this, teams have stepped back from the idea of trading for him. However, according to an ESPN insider, another Eastern Conference team is courting the star player.
There’s a high possibility that this mystery team could be the New York Knicks. They have been looking to land an all-star player for a while, and Lillard could be it.
The Portland Trail Blazers can send Damian Lillard to whichever team arranges for the best offer because he doesn’t have a no-trade clause. As such, the New York Knicks can try to provide the best offer if they want Lillard on their roster. Lillard’s possible addition would be vital to ending the 50-year curse.
He’s a proven winner and, in the eight seasons, has led the Blazers to the playoffs. Additionally, Lillard has consistently performed dominantly. His experience and leadership perfectly fit the Knicks’ values and culture.
Joel Embiid
With everything happening between James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid takes center stage. Many people around the league speculate that Embiid will ask to be traded sooner, and the 76ers’ time with him may be more limited than people realize.
The New York Knicks is one of the many interested parties. After failing to acquire Donovan Mitchell last offseason, the Knicks are keen on recruiting superstar players like Embiid, and they might have the opportunity to pounce their way in.
In fact, according to Marc Stein, an NBA reporter, the New York Knicks might have already started wooing Joel Embiid. Leon Rose, Knicks president and an affiliate, went to Embiid’s wedding last summer.
Their presence and appearance at the wedding was something. Stein thinks the Knicks are trying to bring Embiid on board.
The New York Knicks could develop an attractive package that’d be hard for other NBA teams to beat. They’d go all-in. Embiid’s possible addition to the Knicks’ would undoubtedly boost their chances to compete for a championship title.
The 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player is one of the best centers in the league. His skill, size, and dominance on the court would quickly increase the Knicks’ competitiveness and prowess. Also, his potential presence in the Knicks’ roster would uncover scoring opportunities for his teammates, such as Jalen Brunson, known for his perimeter shooting and playmaking.
Final Thoughts
The New York Knicks made it to the second round of the playoffs last year after triumphing over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. The team polished up the prior year thanks to Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. Still, for the New York Knicks to contend for a championship this year, they must add a superstar talent to their roster. Anyone on this list would help get the Knicks to another level. It’s up to what they can offer now to get the best trade.
