Why This Trade Makes Sense For The New York Knicks

Alec Burks currently ranks 5th on the Knicks in scoring this season and has been a key impact player for them off-the-bench. His offensive repertoire is something that makes him a very valuable wing player and he really fits their system well, which is why the Knicks could be very hesitant to trade him away. 

The positive things about this trade with the Lakers for the Knicks is the fact that they get Wesley Matthews, who can replicate the success Burks has had on the defensive-end of the court for New York this year, and they get Talen Horton-Tucker, who can grow into a very solid two-way player. 

While they could make the playoffs this year, the Knicks are in no position to compete for a championship yet, which is why they could use a talent like Talen Horton-Tucker. With Randle, Barrett, Toppin and Payton being young talents on the Knicks roster that are going to be a part of their future, adding Talen Horton-Tucker to this group gives New York even more young talent to work with. 

Building and planning for the future needs to be the priority for this organization right now, which is why it could be worthwhile trading Burks ahead of the trade deadline. His value is pretty high and with him being on a one-year contract, the Knicks are likely not going to keep him past this year anyways. 

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Getting really good value for him now not only can continue to help the Knicks contend for a playoff spot, but set them up for a lot of success down the road since they would be getting a former first-round pick in Talen Horton-Tucker, who has a lot of potential to grow into a special role player.