Why This Trade Makes Sense For The New York Knicks

Believe it or not, the Knicks are going to be in the hunt for the playoffs all year long. Yes, you read that right: The New York Knicks are going to be contending for a playoff spot throughout this season.

While this may come as a surprise to some people, it really shouldn’t. Tom Thibodeau has been a successful head coach everywhere he has coached and the Knicks roster is actually quite talented. 

R.J. Barrett and Julius Randle are two fantastic young players and other young assets like Elfrid Payton, Immanuel Quickley and Mitchell Robinson have stepped up into bigger roles this year. Key veteran additions in Austin Rivers, Reggie Bullock and Alec Burks have also had an impact when they’ve been on the court for New York. 

Adding Ricky Rubio to the mix not only gives the Knicks another veteran and experienced player, but a guy who can be the main facilitator for this team. Normally, either Julius Randle or R.J. Barrett has the ball in their hands on the offensive end of the court, but bringing in Rubio can take a lot of pressure off of them. 

Ricky Rubio is a great secondary talent to have and with him under contract through next year as well, he could definitely be a guy that All-Star like talents would want to play with. Giving up two young players with no value to the Knicks anymore and a future second-round pick for an impact role player like Rubio makes a lot of sense for this organization.

Acquiring Rubio gives the Knicks a better chance to make the playoffs and with his experiences and time in the NBA, he could be a great veteran player to add to the backcourt for younger guys like Immanuel Quickley and Elfrid Payton. This trade definitely gives the Knicks a fighting chance in the Eastern Conference.