The New York Knicks received a strong impact from Jalen Brunson throughout their run to the Eastern Conference semifinals. There was a significant lack of reliable assistance for the rising NBA star, with the team’s Game 6 loss to the Miami Heat on Friday being the greatest display.
With the Knicks being built without reliable perimeter shooting, the top players must shoulder the load in big games. Brunson averaged 27.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 11 postseason games.
Brunson ended his run-scoring 30+ points in four of his last five performances. Among that stretch was a 41-point game in Game 6 against the Heat in which he made more field goals than his teammates.
What’s clear about the Knicks entering the offseason is that Brunson needs more help. Julius Randle and RJ Barrett will not be the right pieces to get the job done on nearly a consistent enough basis in the biggest moments. Who could end up in New York?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Knicks are expected to ultimately acquire Towns in a trade — a sentiment shared around the NBA for a few years.
“Several NBA sources over the past couple of years have expressed they believe the Knicks will ultimately end up with Karl-Anthony Towns, a CAA client,” Pincus wrote.
Towns is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he appeared in 29 regular season games. He averaged 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists as he adjusted to playing alongside Rudy Gobert. The ceiling of the Minnesota Timberwolves appears limited with a Towns-Gobert frontcourt. Could they be open to a trade?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
It remains to be seen what the main construction of a trade offer would be if the Knicks were to trade for Towns. Would New York seek to pair Towns with its current core? Or would the plan be to part with one of Randle or Barrett to retain more draft capital?
“If so, would the Knicks want to add Towns to complement their top three or send out Randle or Barrett? No one polled expects Brunson to be available, but sourcing was of mixed opinion on what’s next for New York,” Pincus wrote.
At some point, there will be a major talent that ends up with the Knicks, whether it’s Towns or not. Multiple sources have indicated to NBA Analysis Network that numerous superstars around the NBA would like to play for the Knicks but do not want to be coached by Tom Thibodeau.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
The Knicks did pass on the chance to make a massive trade for Donovan Mitchell last summer, but granted, it would have required more compensation to get a deal done than what would be required to trade for Towns. Regardless, is Towns the right target for New York to focus on acquiring?
Grant Afseth is an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network and a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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