How This Trade Impacts New York Knicks
In any deal the New York Knicks make, they are going to try their hardest to hold onto RJ Barrett. He has struggled at times, but out of all of their young players, he has the most upside.
Retaining him gives the Knicks a chance to build a long-term, sustainable winner. Also, should the need arise down the line, he is someone that can be used to bring in more talent or replenish the roster via trade down the line.
Karl-Anthony Towns would immediately slot in as the Knicks’ go-to option offensively. Pushing Julius Randle and Barrett into No. 2 roles should help them elevate their game as Towns will draw a ton of attention from opposing defenses. Having a big man that can spread the floor will help modernize the Knicks’ offense as well.
While they parted ways with a ton of depth to make the deal, there is still more than enough remaining to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. Derrick Rose, Kemba Walker, Alec Burks and Taj Gibson remain as veterans. Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride and Jericho Sims remain as players on rookie deals.
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New York is left dangerously thin at the power forward position and would need to address that, but when you land a player of Towns’ caliber, it takes some sacrifices. The three first-round picks are steep, but you get what you pay for.
This is the kind of move that the Knicks have been gearing up for. If the opportunity presents itself, they will strike.
