The New York Knicks surprised a lot of people during the 2020-21 NBA season. It was the first one with Tom Thibodeau as head coach and things went better than anyone could have predicted.
New York finished fourth in the Eastern Conference, earning home-court advantage in their series against the Atlanta Hawks. While they lost the series in five games, it was still an encouraging performance by the team.
Leon Rose knew what he had to do coming into the offseason. If that series against the Hawks showed the Knicks’ organization anything, it was that they needed some more offensive fire-power. So, he went out and got some.
Reggie Bullock left in free agency, signing with the Dallas Mavericks. Elfrid Payton departed as well, signing with the Phoenix Suns.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Everything To Know About Latest Ben Simmons NBA Trade Rumors
In their place, New York signed Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker. Fournier’s acquisition ended up being a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics, as the Knicks received two second-round picks along with him. Walker signed after being bought out by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
There are some concerns that the Knicks’ tenacity defensively, which was the backbone of their success last season, may not be the same with Walker and Fournier. If that proves to be the case, maybe they can make an adjustment midseason.
One potential target could be Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons. Grant had a great first season with the Pistons and could help elevate the Knicks on both ends of the court. Let’s take a look at this hypothetical trade that could land Grant in the Big Apple.
