Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal 

On the subject of Julius Randle’s ambiguous star status, perhaps it’s as simple as this: Randle is a competent second option, but he doesn’t suffice as a top one. 

The Knicks learned that the hard way in 2021-22. With so much defensive attention focused on Randle, he faltered. It appeared as if the relationship between him and the Knicks crumbled in the process. 

Meanwhile, this is not the trade involving a star most are expecting the Knicks to make this year. Many have them pegged to land Donovan Mitchell ahead of the 2022-23 season. Luckily, this deal works whether they’re doing so or not. 

If they are, they’re landing a group of players suited to support Mitchell with this deal. Albeit, they’re doing so at the expense of his potential co-star, but given Mitchell’s age relative to Lillard, they can afford to wait to land him one. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: New York Knicks & Portland Trail Blazers Updates

Meanwhile, if they’re not landing Mitchell, this deal nets them an extra first-round pick to add to their impressive stash. Perhaps the Knicks will eventually use it to land a star player – this time, hopefully, a clear one.