Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Julius Randle, G Derrick Rose, 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Kyrie Irving
After last night’s draft, the Knicks have got 2023 first-round picks to spare. They flipped their 11th overall selection for two protected selections from next year’s class. Would they part with one to land Irving?
Of course, acquiring the mercurial point guard isn’t the only potential benefit involved here. The Knicks also get off of Julius Randle’s contract. After an impressive 2020-21 season, that deal looked like a steal for the Knicks.
Following 2021-22, it appears to be Randle committing theft.
Still, the Nets could gamble that Randle will return to his All-NBA form from 2020-21. If he did, this could be a good trade for them. They’ll be rid of the headaches associated with Irving and gain nearly as productive a player in the process. Furthermore, Rose makes up a small percentage of Irving’s production.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving Eyeing Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, Heat, Mavs, 76ers
It’s a long shot. On the other hand, any Kyrie Irving deal is. Getting value for a distressed asset is always difficult, and Irving is about as distressed as they come. The Nets could do worse than rolling the dice on Randle.
