How This Trade Impacts New York Knicks
The New York Knicks made one low-risk high reward transaction acquiring Cam Reddish from the Atlanta Hawks. This hypothetical one with the Houston Rockets would be another huge reward if things panned out.
Christian Wood would be a sizable upgrade in the middle. While not as physically imposing as Mitchell Robinson, he would help modernize the team’s offense. Having a center that can provide more than lobs and putbacks offensively would help open up the congestion that is making life difficult for Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.
Wood isn’t a slouch defensively, either. He provides some rim protection, but whatever he is lacking on that end of the court compared to Robinson, he will more than makeup for offensively. He is a career 36.9 percent shooter from 3-point land.
Kevin Porter Jr. has had some well-documented anger issues but he is oozing with talent. It would be a bit of a risk taking him on, but at 21-years old, he could be the Knicks’ much-needed long-term answer at the point guard position. The Rockets converted him to the backcourt after starting his career as a wing player and he has had some big performances.
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Being able to focus on and commit to being a point guard full-time could help his development. He has good size at the position and the Rockets have a defensive rating that is 3.4 better with Porter on the court than off of it. That number could improve even more with a better supporting cast.
The package to acquire them isn’t overly expensive, either. Mitchell Robinson is an impending free agent and Obi Toppin will always have a part-time role as long as he is behind Randle.
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McBride has shown flashes, but may not have the upside as Porter as a long-term prospect. Ryan Arcidiacono is on a 10-day contract and will likely not get picked up beyond that.
