How This Trade Impacts New York Knicks
The New York Knicks could be the busiest team in the NBA heading into training camp. They signed RJ Barrett to his rookie extension at a very fair number when Donovan Mitchell trade talks slowed down again. While those negotiations will be their focus, New York will also keep an eye on making other moves.
A deal involving Julius Randle is something that plenty of fans would like to see after his performance last season. It may not be the best look to make a deal involving a player that is set to begin a new extension this upcoming season, but if Mitchell is acquired, it makes sense.
Trading Randle is likely contingent on acquiring Mitchell. If the Knicks are unable to land him, their motivation to move their starting power forward dwindles. But, if a deal is completed, they will likely need to replace some depth on the roster and this is one way to do it.
Kelly Oubre Jr., Mason Plumlee and P.J. Washington are all serviceable rotation players. They would help further diversify the skill set in the frontcourt from which head coach Tom Thibodeau can pick lineups from.
Plumlee fits the rim-running role and is a solid playmaker, likely filling a veteran role that Taj Gibson held the last few seasons. Washington is an improving defender and provides some spacing from the frontcourt spots with his 3-point shooting. His versatility to play either power forward or center will help when it comes to divvying up minutes.
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Oubre could be looking at a significant role with the Knicks depending on the package being sent to Utah. If some combination of Quentin Grimes, Cam Reddish and Obi Toppin is involved, there will be a sizable void on the wing and power forward spot to fill.
The biggest takeaway from this deal is the amount of long-term money that New York is clearing. Oubre and Plumlee are set to be unrestricted free agents while Washington is eligible for his rookie extension and could be a restricted free agent if a deal isn’t reached.
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That could set the Knicks up to become buyers in free agency as soon as next offseason depending on what the salary cap looks like. Maintaining flexibility when it comes to the salary cap has been key during Leon Rose’s tenure with the franchise and this would be another step toward achieving that goal.
