Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal 

By contrast, the Knicks have shown zero interest in building through the draft. 

In fact, they almost made a huge deal with the Jazz this summer. Ultimately, they ended up sending Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Still, the Knicks made their intentions clear: they want to move their picks for a star player. 

This deal has them doing so. It also has them doing so at a much smaller cost than they would have paid for Mitchell. The Knicks could make this trade and still have enough daft capital left to go after another big fish. 

Meanwhile, Markkanen’s fit here is interesting. His natural position may be the 4, which Julius Randle presently occupies for the Knicks.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz & New York Knicks Updates

Still, Markkanen has spent time at every frontcourt position in his career – the Knicks would find a way to make it work. 

If they’re adding a star like Markkanen, they’ll have to