Why This Trade Would Benefit The New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are a team looking to get back to relevance for the first time since 2012. They have been lacking that star player since Carmelo Anthony was traded and need that leadership once again. A trade for Ricky Rubio might not land you that star player but it gives you a viable option at the most important position on the floor.
Ricky Rubio is a starting-caliber point guard who could take over for Elfrid Payton. Most importantly, he can act as a mentor for young players such as Immannuel Quickley. The Knicks have built a core with RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson to have faith in moving forward.
Ultimately, these players are not good enough to compete on their own, especially with the fire power in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks will need to make a big-splash move somewhere down the line but this is a move that would help them in the short term right away.
The Eastern Conference is very top-heavy. There will be teams near or under .500 make the playoffs this season. If that is the goal for the Knicks right now, this move could make sense for them. The front office knows that they will need to make a blockbuster deal at some point and it will be interesting to see what happens.
