How This Trade Impacts New York Knicks

New York Knicks fans were excited when Kemba Walker was signed in free agency. He isn’t the same player he was before joining the Boston Celtics because of a litany of knee injuries, but he was expected to be an upgrade over the departing Elfrid Payton.

He has proven to be just that, but there are still long-term questions about the position. Walker is 31 and Derrick Rose is 33. They are both entering the back halves of their careers, leaving the position open for the taking.

Plenty of Knicks fans would love to see Immanuel Quickley eventually take over the starting spot. Miles McBride, the team’s second-round pick in 2021, has shown some promise as well. But, acquiring someone such as Dejounte Murray could help push the Knicks over the top.

The starting lineup in New York right now is lacking defensive intensity and Murray could provide that. He is versatile and long enough to defend both backcourt spots and some wing players. He would more than makeup for the defense the team lost in Payton and Bullock.

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Murray is also reaching new heights offensively. He is having a career year, averaging 18.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. He is excellent in the midrange and gets better each game with his playmaking and decision-making.

Ultimately, it is hard to imagine the New York Knicks trading Walker this soon into his tenure with the team. But, it would be hard for them to pass up on a deal like this should it be offered to them. Trading Walker, Kevin Knox II who is out of the rotation, the Mavericks first-round pick, and a second-round pick for Murray would be a steal.