Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal 

At .500, perhaps the Knicks shouldn’t be making win-now moves. This team has been passable, but it could certainly look better. 

It might look better by adding Barnes. The Knicks could certainly use another wing. Often, Barrett looks overtaxed at the 3: by shifting him to the two, the Knicks would put him in a position where suddenly, he’s got plus positional size. 

Moreover, there’s an inherent advantage to looking decent for the Knicks. They play in New York.

This team is obviously looking to attract a star, and in their market, they only need to look competent in order to do so. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings & New York Knicks Updates

Free agency is dying in the NBA. At the same time, stars who demand trades normally have a list of teams they’d prefer to be traded to. This deal is an effort to get included on those lists. 

If it works out, the Knicks may actually – finally – get what they want.