New York Knicks
It is no secret that the New York Knicks want to bring in an All-Star level talent, but could Victor Oladipo be the guy they are interested in? The New York Knicks organization has been in shambles for the last few decades as they have made the playoffs just four times since 2001. The Knicks moved on from Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose and Kristaps Porzingis over the years, but New York’s new management is looking to change things.
GM Scott Perry and President of Basketball Operations, Leon Rose, have invested the future of the franchise in R.J. Barrett and recent draft pick Obi Toppin. The one thing they are missing is an All-Star level talent to not only lead their young core but to attract other big-name free agents in future years. New York is a very lucrative market for any free agent in any sport, but the problem is no All-Star level talent has wanted to go to the Knicks over the years because of how bad they have been.
Bringing in Oladipo can change things quickly because pairing him up with guys like Barrett, Randle and Toppin gives the Knicks something to work with and could prove to teams around the league that they are ready to win now. Tom Thibodeau is a great head coach that guys love playing for and if they can prove that they are lined up for success in future years, the Knicks can easily bring in another All-Star level talent via free agency.
Trading for Oladipo is not going to make the Knicks immediate threats in the Eastern Conference, but it definitely puts teams on notice that they are willing to make the right moves and allows them to contend for a playoff spot this season.
Not to mention, Oladipo can be a player the Knicks invest into for the future and find a lot of success with. He has had his fair share of injuries over the years, but is still only 28-years old and when healthy, is one of the better two-way players in the NBA. The two-time All-Star can guard numerous positions on the court, as well as be a threat offensively with the ball in his hands, making him a great player to pair with the Knicks’ future All-Star in R.J. Barrett.
The Knicks have the young talent and draft assets Houston would probably want in return for a guy like Oladipo. The Knicks own 12 draft picks over the next three NBA Drafts and for a team like Houston who is looking to rebuild with young talent, New York could put together a very lucrative trade package for Victor Oladipo.
If the Rockets are interested in what the Knicks have to offer, New York has to be willing to make this trade to set themselves up in a great position to land some big names next offseason. Even if they let Oladipo go and sign elsewhere for next season, they would still have plenty of cap space to bring in at least one max-contract player.
