Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
For the Knicks, this is both a retooling measure and a win-now move.
At the present, Dort’s low usage, 3-and-D skillset may actually complement the team more than Barrett. This offense primarily runs through Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle – they may not need Barrett.
At the same time, they wouldn’t flip him for Dort straight up. Barrett has a higher upside, and therefore, more trade value. Luckily, that’s not what the Knicks are doing here.
They’re also getting an unprotected first-round pick from a team that could easily be in the lottery. The Knicks may use that pick to select a player, or, they could aggregate it in a trade for a star.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: RJ Barrett, Oklahoma City Thunder & New York Knicks Updates
After all, potential can be a difficult thing to measure in the draft.
