Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal 

In some ways, the NBA’s lottery system is mostly designed to help small market teams. 

After all, it’s hard for smaller markets to attract star talent in free agency. Moreover, in today’s player empowerment era, players often have a say in where they’re heading in trades too – and often they prefer a bigger market. 

Obviously, the Knicks don’t need to worry in that regard. They play in the biggest market in the NBA. With that in mind, there’s value in putting the most competitive product they can on the floor. 

DeRozan should help an already-competitive team improve. Suddenly, the Knicks will have several quality playmakers for defenses to account for.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & New York Knicks Updates

If all goes well, the Knicks could become the type of destination that star players who demand trades want to find themselves in. 

In other words, tanking may not be necessary for this club.