How This Trade Impacts New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have to address their point guard needs this offseason. They will aggressively pursue free agents, but if that does not work, they need to start evaluating some trades.
This trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves addresses that need and also helps clear the log jams they have on the roster. D’Angelo Russell immediately steps into the starting lineup as the best point guard the team has had in years.
Russell struggled with his efficiency in 2021-22, making only 41.1 percent of his shot attempts overall and 34 percent from 3-point range. He did however take another step as a playmaker, averaging a career-high 7.1 assists.
The Ohio State product is an improved defender as well and should be able to handle the pressure of being in New York. He helped turn things around for the Brooklyn Nets and led them to the postseason in 2019, the same season he made his only All-Star game.
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Parting ways with Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel opens up playing time for the younger Knicks as well. Cam Reddish and Quentin Grimes will have permanent roles on the wing and Immanuel Quickley will cement his role off the bench with Derrick Rose also on the move. Jericho Sims looks like a more than capable backup for Noel.
