New York Knicks Receive: C Steven Adams, F Brandon Clarke
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Julius Randle
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has a well-documented love affair with defense. With that in mind, this deal ought to make his heart flutter.
In theory, current Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson ought to be a better rim protector than Adams. In theory, a lot of things could be true that aren’t. Robinson may have a higher vertical and longer-standing reach, but Adams is more disciplined and focused. He’ll quickly win his new head coach’s heart.
So will Brandon Clarke. He’s a versatile frontcourt player that can line up at the 4, 5, or 3 for spells. Whichever position he’s playing, he’s going to bring defensive intensity on every possession.
Of course, this isn’t a straight value swap for the Knicks. It’s also a contract dump: both of the players they’re sending out are on expiring contracts.
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If the older Adams is a good fit in New York, they could resign him, likely for less than the $17.9 million he’s due in 2022-23. Meanwhile, the same could be said for the 25-year-old Clarke, only he’ll likely make more than his 2022-23 salary of $4.3 million.
Either way, this deal gives the Knicks options. Still, if they want something more concrete than that, this next deal will suit them better.
