Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving
New York Knicks Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Julius Randle, G Derrick Rose
Lately, it feels like the New York Knicks have been motivated to clear cap space. At this year’s draft, they flipped the 11th overall pick and Kemba Walker for three protected future first-round picks.
Granted, many assume that they’re making room for unrestricted free agent Jalen Brunson. That may be the case. With that said, what if they were angling to land a bigger fish down the line?
In that event, flipping Randle and Rose for Westbrook’s expiring contract and a first-round pick feels like a massive win for this club. They’d be effectively phoning in 2022-23, but that’s fine: they own their first-round pick in the next draft anyway.
This move might not be greeted with adoration from Knicks fans. Realistically, seldom moves are. Still, this could be a product of the type of savvy maneuvering that puts them in a better place several seasons down the road.
LATEST NBA FREE AGENCY NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: 3 Post-Draft Trade Ideas For New York Knicks’ Julius Randle
Given how long their fanbase has waited for a contender, they might as well wait a little longer.
