Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal 

By contrast, the Knicks don’t appear interested in tanking. 

Even when they had the best odds of landing Williamson, they weren’t necessarily tanking. They were simply bad. Instead, the Knicks appear to be looking to make a big trade for a star. 

After all, this team appeared to be in aggressive pursuit of Donovan Mitchell this summer. Obviously, that pursuit failed. Why not pursue Gilgeous-Alexander? 

For what it’s worth, he’d instantly be the best player on a Knicks team that’s already 5-6. No, this deal won’t make them title favorites.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder & New York Knicks Updates

On the other hand, it should make them pretty good – and an attractive destination for another star down the line. 

In the end, the Knicks, like everyone else, just want to win – only, they want to do it now.