Houston Rockets Receive: Julius Randle ($18.9M 2020-21 Salary), Kevin Knox ($4.5M), Frank Ntilikina ($6.1M), Wayne Ellington ($8.0M), DAL 2021 1st Round Pick
New York Knicks Receive: Russell Westbrook ($41.0M)
This trade is probably the best case scenario for the Houston Rockets as they not only move Russell Westbrook and his enormous contract, but they get back three former lottery picks in Randle, Knox and Ntilikina. By also acquiring DAL 2021 1st Round Pick from the Knicks, the Rockets would have a 1st Round pick in next year’s, as they gave the rights to swap 2021 1st Round picks with the OKC Thunder.
The finances also equal out for both parties in this scenario as the Knicks could use their $4M Marcus Morris Sr. trade exception to absorb the outstanding $4M left in this trade.
Julius Randle is coming off a pretty decent year in which he averaged 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and shot 35.9% from the floor in 64 games. Randle was the Knicks best scoring option next to rookie R.J. Barrett and has rebuilt his career. The last two seasons of Randle’s career have been his best yet in the NBA and if he can stay healthy, he can be a reliable power forward for years to come.
Both Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina seem to be two guys the Knicks are content to move on from as they did not develop how the Knicks had hoped. Knox seemed to be non-existent with New York last season, only averaging 6.4 points per game, and Ntilikina got buried on the roster behind other guards. Elfird Payton and Dennis Smith Jr. took over the featured roles at point guard for the Knicks a season ago and with Frank Ntilikina already a part of trade rumors, it would make sense for him to get a fresh start in Houston.
Acquiring Russell Westbrook as a big first move for new Knicks’ President and GM Scott Perry would do wonders for the Knicks who have not had anything positive happen overall since making the playoffs in the 2012-13 NBA season. Not only does this open the doors for other All-Star caliber players to sign with the Knicks, but gives them a foundation to build upon in hopes of elevating this Knicks franchise back to the NBA Playoffs.
If the Knicks are going to pull the trigger for Westbrook, they must be prepared to not only give up young talent with potential, but one or two future draft assets as well.
