New York Knicks Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, 2023 First-Round Pick (CLE via NYK)

Indiana Pacers Receive: F Julius Randle

While the Indiana Pacers are not like most NBA teams, neither are the New York Knicks. They may play in the biggest market in the NBA, but somehow, they’ve been less competitive than the Pacers for the better part of two decades.

It’s confounding. Chronic mismanagement has plagued the Knicks to mediocrity in spite of what ought to be a market advantage. Sometimes, it feels like they’ll never figure it out.

Like the Pacers, the Knicks rarely feel like they’re tanking. The last time they invested much hope in the draft was when Zion Williamson was entering the league. Somehow, it felt like the entire city assumed the lottery balls would bounce their way.

They didn’t. Instead, the Knicks ended up with RJ Barrett. He’s good, but he’s not on track to be the kind of franchise-altering talent they were hoping for.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: New York Knicks & Indiana Pacers Updates

It’s almost like they should have had a backup plan. Since then, the Knicks have improved under new management. There does appear to be a semblance of a path forward.

Does this deal advance them further on it?