Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal 

Conversely, this deal is, in fact, about money for the New York Knicks. 

Everyone knows the Knicks are looking for a star. They transparently pursued Donovan Mitchell this summer, only to lose him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This deal is about maximizing their ability to land a star within the coming years.

If they fall short on the trade market again, this trade improves their flexibility to bring a star in through 2024 free agency. 

At the same time, the Knicks don’t seem likely to bottom out either. This deal inked Jalen Brunson to a long-term, expensive contract this summer. Of course, that’s part of why they can afford this deal – they’re sacrificing guard depth for forward depth. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates

Some will argue that Harris and Randle play the same position. Consider us unconcerned. In all likelihood, the Knicks would shift Harris down to the 3 with Randle at the 4, and move each up a position in small-ball formations. Granted,  the pairing does project to have defensive limitations, but that’s fine: 

After all, the Knicks are just killing time until they can spend their money on a star player.