The NBA is a star-driven league. If you don’t have a star player, you will not be able to play for the NBA championship. 

At the same time, landing a star may be the first step to contention – but it isn’t the last one. Any team that fails to surround its star with a quality supporting cast will fall short. That’s true no matter how talented that star is. 

Just look at the Washington Wizards. They’ve had Bradley Beal on their roster for years, with limited success. Beal is a dynamic scorer, but without a proper supporting cast, he’s been unable to lead the Wizards on a deep playoff run. 

Still, at least the Wizards have taken the step of landing a star. The New York Knicks haven’t had one on their roster in some time. With that said, it’s not for lack of trying.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Derrick Rose, New York Knicks & Washington Wizards Updates

In fact, the Knicks have been angling to land a star player for years by collecting draft capital and moveable contracts. 

Here’s a deal that could improve both long-suffering franchises’ situations.