New York Knicks Receive: F Tobias Harris, 2023 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F Julius Randle
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Kyle Lowry
Once again, financial motives inform this trade as much as any to enhance an on-court product. Although, the Miami Heat will at least be hoping to do so following this deal.
Julius Randle struggled mightily with his shot in 2021-22, but he was a sharpshooter the year prior. If he can regain that form, the Heat will have made a major upgrade following this deal.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks decide that’s too improbable to continue paying Randle with their fingers crossed while knocking on wood. They cut ties with his $26.1 million annual salary. Harris is roughly $11 million more expensive, but his deal is two years shorter. They’re mostly flipping him for a first-round pick here, but getting a shorter contract is a bonus.
Unfortunately, such considerations motivate transactions in the NBA. Sometimes, it’s about clearing space for the next move more than it’s about the move itself.
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For the Knicks, that’s exactly the thinking behind this transaction. On the other hand, the Sixers and Heat will both be hoping this deal pays dividends immediately.
