Trade No. 2 – Philadelphia 76ers
New York Knicks Receive: F Tobias Harris, NYK 2021 2nd Round Pick (via PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Julius Randle, G Frank Ntilikina, G Austin Rivers, NYK 2023 1st Round Pick (Lottery-Protected)
The New York Knicks could absolutely nail the right price for Tobias Harris as they not only have the cap room to be able to absorb his big contract, but they have plenty of draft assets and young players to offer to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Julius Randle struggled early on in his career to find a role in the NBA, but with the Knicks, he has emerged as an all-around playmaker and reliable threat on the offensive end of the court. Last season, Randle played in 64 games for the Knicks, averaging 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and shooting 46% from the floor. He could provide an intriguing frontcourt tandem alongside Joel Embiid with the Philadelphia 76ers.
With Randle looking like a legit All-Star level player this season, his value is at an all-time high and the opportunity for the Philadelphia 76ers to potentially have three All-Stars would be hard to pass up on, regardless of the position he plays on the court.
Tobias Harris is not a number one option on any team in the NBA, but he has shown the ability to be a solid complementary player with the Philadelphia 76ers to superstar-like talents. By bringing him in for a small asking price on their end of things, the New York Knicks would have everything except a number-one guy.
R.J. Barrett could ultimately grow into that type of role, but the Knicks really need to target a player like Victor Oladipo, Blake Griffin, or DeMar DeRozan who are proven All-Star level talents that can lead a franchise. A deal with Harris from the Philadelphia 76ers wouldn’t be a bad option either.
Giving up a first-round pick and a guy like Julius Randle would be of great value in attempts to try and lure one of these superstar players to New York and is exactly what this Knicks organization needs to do to set themselves up for future success. This trade with the Philadelphia 76ers is a no-brainer for the Knicks and is something they should look to get done before the NBA trade deadline this season.
