Why It Makes Sense For The New York Knicks

This is a bold move for the New York Knicks. In all likelihood, it would either pay off in a big way or blow up in their faces.

Mitchell, quite obviously, is the best player being exchanged here. However, at 25, it feels more likely that he’s reached his potential than Barrett has. If the latter emerges as a superstar in Utah, this move could make the Knicks look silly in hindsight.

Consider us unconcerned. Barrett may be a star later. Mitchell is one now. His dynamic scoring ability ought to make the game easier for Julius Randle. He looked like an emerging star himself in 2020-21, but regressed mightily last season. Co-star duties may suit him better: with less defensive attention paid to him, his efficiency is likely to creep back up.

Meanwhile, if that duo is able to return the long-suffering Knicks to relevancy, this trade could pay some indirect dividends in free agency. As constructed, the Knicks are not an appealing destination. On the other hand, if they were a 45-win team with Mitchell and Randle leading the charge?

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Who knows? Maybe another star would like to come to play in the biggest market in the National Basketball Association.