Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
If the Knicks are just waiting to trade for a star, it doesn’t really matter what they do in the meantime. In a sense, this organization is biding time – or, depending on who you ask, treading water.
If that’s true, this deal should work for them. No, Love isn’t the franchise-altering superstar that Knicks fans have been waiting for. At least, not anymore. Still, his presence could make them better in 2022-23.
Realistically, we could imagine the Knicks inserting Love into a number of lineups. He could man the 5 alongside Julius Randle in all-offense lineups. Alternatively, he could play the 4 alongside Mitchell Robinson, who could mask his defensive deficiencies.
Again – this is no substitute for a Donovan Mitchell trade. At the same time, it doesn’t need to be. Making incremental moves to improve will make the Knicks a more appealing destination.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers & New York Knicks Updates
That matters in free agency and on the trade market – the next time a star player demands a trade, the Knicks want to be on their short list of teams they’d be willing to trade for.
This deal could nudge them in that direction. What does it do for the Cavaliers?
