It was a successful NBA season for the New York Knicks in 2022-23. Plenty of observers had this team missing the playoffs. The Knicks didn’t just participate in the big dance – they won a playoff series. With that in mind, every member of the Knicks didn’t enjoy it equally.
Indeed, it was a difficult season for Evan Fournier. He fell out of this team’s rotation altogether. By all accounts, he’s frustrated. Unfortunately, this presents a problem for the Knicks. They won’t be able to get market value for Fournier. After all, he’s frustrated and fell out of the team’s rotation.
Unless, that is, the Knicks are willing to attach draft capital to his deal. In that event, they could get a valuable player back. Meanwhile, the Knicks could use an elite movement shooter more than anything else. How about Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers?
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Buddy Hield
Was it a successful season for the Indiana Pacers? That’s a more difficult call to make. Plenty of observers had them missing the playoffs – and they did. Still, the Pacers showed signs of life in 2022-23.
This team is at a crossroads. Tyrese Haliburton has obvious superstar potential – he’s already producing like a superstar. Myles Turner is an invaluable piece. Meanwhile, Benedict Mathurin looked like a potential star in his rookie campaign, and Pacers fans have to be excited about Jarace Walker The Pacers have a bright future.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & New York Knicks Updates
What about their present? Should the Pacers hang onto their core and aim for a playoff bid next year? You could make that case – they weren’t far off last season. On the other hand, for the right return, they could get future-focused. Is this the right return for Hield?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
We think so. Granted, acquiring a lottery-protected pick is always a risk. Still, the Knicks are competitive, and not on track to decline by 2026. If anything, we’d expect them to have traded for a star by this time. This pick is likely to convey.
Meanwhile, the Pacers have a lot of younger guards who need time. Mathurin is probably a natural 2. Andrew Nembard may be a point guard, but he’s got the size to play a position up. The Pacers may want to experiment with duel point guard lineups featuring him alongside Haliburton.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & New York Knicks Updates
Finally, Fournier may still have some game left. The Pacers don’t need to entirely tank their season by making this deal. They’re landing a little more ammunition to make a trade down the road. Should the Knicks give them that ammunition?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Absolutely. The Knicks are close. This team had one of the best offenses in the NBA last season. It’s time for them to take another step forward. Besides, the Knicks have got draft capital to spare – they can afford one lottery-protected pick.
Especially if they’re landing Hield. He’s one of the best shooters in basketball. He’ll be a tremendous compliment to both Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle as playmakers. Injecting Hield’s shooting into an already strong offense could make the Knicks elite.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers & New York Knicks Updates
It may spell trouble for RJ Barrett. On the other hand, this could present an opportunity for the Knicks to trade Barrett. Acquiring Hield could be the first in a series of win-now moves. If all goes well, it’ll mean another successful season for the Knicks.
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