Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Julius Randle, G Frank Ntilikina, F Kevin Knox, LAC 2021 1st Round Pick (via NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Kyle Lowry
It is no secret that the New York Knicks want to bring in a high-level, NBA All-Star talent to lead their young core, which is why Kyle Lowry would be a great fit. R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Mitchell Robinson are the future of the Knicks and if they are to truly flip this franchise around and make the playoffs again, they need an All-Star to lead them.
Last season in Toronto, Lowry averaged 19.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and shot 35.2% from three-point range. This was one of Lowry’s better statistical seasons in the NBA and he is on the back-half of his career.
The Knicks are in no position to win a championship, even with Lowry leading the charge, but with the few years he has left in his career, he can help lure more big names to New York and be the catalyst to changing the losing ways for the Knicks.
For Toronto, this trade makes a lot of sense because they get two young guys in Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox who have a lot of potential, but need a fresh start and a team that is willing to spend time to mold them into reliable bench options and they get a reliable big man to pair with Pascal Siakam in the frontcourt.
With Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol gone, the Raptors really need to figure out their frontcourt situation quickly, which is why Julius Randle could be a terrific addition. After having one of the best seasons of his career last season with the Knicks, Randle is having one of the best seasons out of everyone in the league this year and is on track to make his first All-Star appearance.
In 7 games so far this year, Julius Randle is averaging 22.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists and is shooting 50.9% from the floor and 40.7% from three-point range. Next to Pascal Siakam, the Raptors could create one of the better, more dynamic frontcourts in the entire NBA.
Not only would this help them now in their pursuit for more championships, but in the future as well since Siakam and Randle are only 26-years old. The Knicks have the young assets and draft picks to be able to put together a really strong trade package for Lowry and it is definitely something for the Raptors to consider.
